Esha Deol’s Heartfelt Reaction to Oscars 2026 Snubbing Dharmendra: ‘Life Was Never About Recognition’ | Hindi Movie News
The omission of iconic actor Dharmendra from the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment during the 98th Academy Awards has sparked significant backlash from fans and the film fraternity alike. While many expressed outrage over what they perceived as a snub, Dharmendra’s daughter, Esha Deol, offered a calming perspective, emphasizing that her father values love and kindness over accolades.
In a conversation with Variety India, Esha stated, “I don’t think it would ever make a difference to Papa. His heart has always been far too big to worry about such things. For him, life was never about recognition or status-it was about love, kindness, and the place he held in people’s hearts.” This sentiment resonates with fans who appreciate Dharmendra’s enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
Veteran actress Hema Malini, Dharmendra’s long-time partner, also voiced her disappointment regarding his exclusion from the televised segment. Speaking with Bollywood Hungama, she remarked that it was a “shame” for the Academy to overlook an actor who holds a special place in the hearts of many around the world. Hema added, “Dharamji was known and recognized everywhere. He never got too many awards during his lifetime. Why should he care about the Oscars? Both of us-we were happy to be loved in our country. But awards always eluded him.”
Despite the televised omission, Dharmendra was recognized on the Oscars’ official website, alongside other notable Indian film personalities such as Saroja Devi, Manoj Kumar, and documentary filmmaker S. Krishnaswamy. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) acknowledged over 300 members of the global film community on their website, marking their contributions to cinema.
The In Memoriam segment of the Oscars this year included tributes to Hollywood legends like Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton, extending about 15 minutes longer than previous years. However, many viewers took to social media to voice their disappointment over other notable figures missing from the televised tribute.
Hema Malini’s heartfelt comments were echoed in her conversation with HT City, where she reiterated the significance of the love and respect Dharmendra has garnered over his illustrious career. “The love and respect people have for Dharmendra means a great deal to us. Oscars should have mentioned Dharam ji’s name certainly,” she noted, indicating that the actor’s impact extends well beyond awards.
As the conversation around the Oscars continues, the sentiment that recognition from the Academy is not the ultimate measure of an artist’s worth transcends beyond mere accolades. For Dharmendra and his family, the love from fans and peers remains the most cherished recognition of all.
Ultimately, while the Oscars may have overlooked a titan of Indian cinema in their televised segment, Dharmendra’s legacy remains unshaken, with his family and fans celebrating the love and influence he had on generations. The dialogue surrounding awards and recognition persists, but for Dharmendra, the true reward appears to lie in the affection and respect he has earned throughout his storied career.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/esha-deol-reacts-to-oscars-2026-snubbing-dharmendra-from-in-memoriam-segment-life-was-never-about-recognition-for-him/articleshow/129621737.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-17 06:55:00
