Esha Deol REACTS To Dharmendra’s Name Being Snubbed At Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Ceremony; Says, “It Was Never About Recognition Or Status For Him”

Esha Deol shared her thoughts on the late Dharmendra, emphasising that for him, life was never about recognition or status. Instead, he valued love, kindness, and the special place he held in people’s hearts. Following the 98th Academy Awards, where Dharmendra’s name was not included in the In Memoriam segment, Esha responded to the omission.

Esha Deol REACTS To Dharmendra’s Name Being Snubbed At Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Segment

In an interview with Subhash K Jha for Variety India, Esha explained that she believes “it would never make a difference to papa.” Dharmendra passed away in November 2025 in Mumbai. She added that her father’s “heart has always been far too big to worry about such things” and reiterated, “For him, life was never about recognition or status—it was about love, kindness, and the place he held in people’s hearts.”

Hema Malini’s Response

Speaking with HT City, Dharmendra’s wife Hema Malini shared her perspective. She said, “Personally, Dharam ji never bothered about all this! The love from his fans was above everything. I thank everyone for their concern and for remembering him with such affection even now. The love and respect people have for Dharmendra mean a lot to us. Still, I feel Oscars should have mentioned Dharam ji’s name.”

Oscars 2026 And The In Memoriam Segment

This year’s Oscars featured a tribute segment that lasted 15 minutes longer than usual. It honoured Hollywood legends like Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. Despite the extended tribute, Dharmendra’s name was not included in the broadcast. However, he was listed in the official online memorial by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). His name was listed alongside Saroja Devi, Manoj Kumar, Jayasree Kabir, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and documentary filmmaker S Krishnaswamy.

This isn’t the first time an Indian film icon has been overlooked at the Oscars. In 2021, the late Dilip Kumar was not mentioned in the segment. Historically, the In Memoriam segment has occasionally featured Indian celebrities—at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018, icons Shashi Kapoor and Sridevi were honoured with a montage and a musical tribute by Eddie Vedder.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: Dharmendra’s Name Left Out Of Oscars 2026 In Memoriam Ceremony; The Academy Mentions Veteran In List

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.