The 98th Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles, celebrated the best of cinema this Sunday. However, the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment has drawn attention for the exclusion of veteran Indian actor Dharmendra. The omission has caused disappointment among viewers, particularly in India, who noticed the absence of the actor during the tribute.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was cremated in Mumbai and is survived by his wives, Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini, and his six children, including actors Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol. For his immense contribution to Indian cinema, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
The decision not to include Dharmendra was seen as unexpected, given his longstanding contributions and global popularity. Since his debut in the 1960s, he earned acclaim for iconic performances in films like Sholay (1975), Chupke Chupke (1975), Phool Aur Patthar (1966), and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972). His versatility across action, drama, and comedy made him a household name.
Interestingly, Dharmendra was remembered earlier this year in February 2026 during the In Memoriam segment of the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA). In past years, the Oscars have also honoured Indian film icons such as Nitin Chandrakant Desai, Irrfan, Bhanu Athaiya, Sridevi, and Shashi Kapoor.
While Dharmendra was absent, the segment focused on Hollywood artistes who died in 2025. The montage featured subdued orchestral music instead of a live performance. Billy Crystal opened the tribute with a heartfelt address to his late friend, filmmaker Rob Reiner, saying, “Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle,” a reference to the film The Princess Bride. Crystal recognized Reiner’s work on classics like This Is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, and Misery.
Additionally, Rachel McAdams honoured Catherine O’Hara, referring to her as a “Mighty Wind” and an iconic talent. McAdams also acknowledged Diane Keaton for her “many hats,” moments that received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
Despite these tributes, the absence of Dharmendra remains striking for many, as his legacy continues to influence generations of artists and has had an impact on cinema.
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