Esha Deol has spoken out after her father, veteran actor Dharmendra, was not featured in the televised “In Memoriam” segment at the Oscars 2026, a moment that drew attention and disappointment from many fans in India.
Addressing the situation, Esha made it clear that such omissions would not have mattered to her father. “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,” she said, while speaking to Variety India, reflecting on Dharmendra's outlook. She added that for him, life was always about “love, kindness, and the place he held in people's hearts.”
The controversy began after the Academy Awards aired its annual tribute segment honouring artists who passed away over the past year. While Dharmendra's absence from the broadcast upset many viewers, it was later noted that his name was included in the Academy's official online remembrance list, which features hundreds of industry figures.
Reactions on social media ranged from disappointment to criticism, with several users questioning how a star of Dharmendra's stature could be left out of the televised montage. The segment itself, despite being longer than usual, did not manage to include all notable names, sparking a broader debate about its selection process.
Esha's response follows earlier remarks by her mother, Hema Malini, who had described the omission as unfortunate and “a shame”. However, both mother and daughter emphasised that Dharmendra never measured his life or career through awards. Instead, they pointed to the immense love he received from audiences over decades.
Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, was one of the biggest stars of Hindi cinema, with a career spanning more than six decades. Known for his versatility, he moved effortlessly between action, romance, and drama. Films like Sholay, Deewar, Chupke Chupke, and Seeta Aur Geeta remain timeless classics, and his on-screen persona earned him the title of Bollywood's original “He-Man.”
Beyond his performances, Dharmendra was admired for his humility and grounded nature, which was deeply loved by fans across generations. His journey from a small-town boy to one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema continues to inspire many.
While the Oscars segment may have missed his name on screen, the response from his family suggests that his true recognition lies elsewhere—in the admiration and affection of generations of fans who continue to celebrate his work.
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