Bollywood icon Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89 in November 2025. Despite his significant contributions to cinema, he was not included in the In Memoriam segment at the 98th Academy Awards, which prompted disappointment from his wife, actress Hema Malini.
In a recent interview, Hema Malini expressed her dismay over Dharmendra’s omission from the Oscar tribute. She stated, “It is a shame, of course. A shame for them to have overlooked an actor who means so many things to so many people in many parts of the world.” She emphasized that Dharmendra was well-known and respected globally.
Malini reflected on the lack of recognition her husband received during his career, noting, “He never got too many awards during his lifetime. Why should he care about the Oscars?” She mentioned that both of them found joy in the love they received from their fans in India, despite the elusive nature of awards. Hema also pointed out that she herself did not receive accolades for her performances in notable films like “Lal Patthar” and “Meera.”
Esha Deol, Dharmendra’s daughter, echoed her mother’s sentiments, indicating that her father would not have been bothered by the omission since he was not someone who focused on such recognition.
This year’s tribute segment at the Academy Awards lasted 15 minutes longer than in previous years and featured remembrances for Hollywood figures like Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford. Despite the extended duration, Dharmendra’s name was notably absent from the televised tribute. Nonetheless, he was acknowledged in the official online list released by the Academy, alongside other Indian film personalities, including Saroja Devi and Manoj Kumar.
Dharmendra’s health began to decline in early November 2025, leading to his hospitalization. While rumors about his death circulated online, both Esha and Hema Malini assured fans that he was still alive and recovering at home in Mumbai.
On November 24, however, the beloved actor passed away, leaving a profound impact on the film industry and his family. He is survived by his two wives, Hema Malini and Prakash Kaur, and six children, including acclaimed actors Bobby Deol and Sunny Deol as well as Esha and Ahana Deol.
His final film, “Ikkis,” directed by Sriram Raghavan, premiered in theaters on January 1. The film received positive reviews for Dharmendra’s performance, although it struggled to perform well at the box office.