Hema Malini Takes A Dig At Oscars 2026, After Late Husband, Dharmendra Was Snubbed, 'A Shame...'

The Oscars 2026, which was held on February 15, 2026, concluded. The award show featured the 'In Memoriam' segment honouring industry figures from all across the world lost over the past year. However, our very own Bollywood's 'He-Man', Dharmendra, was notably missing from the tribute. It is worth mentioning that late Indian actors, including Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar, were recognised in the detailed list on the Oscars’ official website, but were omitted during the live broadcast. Now, Hema Malini, the wife of the late actor, Dharmendra, has reacted to the following.

Hema Malini slams Oscars 2026 after her late husband, Dharmendra, was snubbed

In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Hema Malini slammed the Oscars 2026 after her late husband, Dharmendra, was snubbed during the live TV broadcast of the award show. She called it shameful and explained that overlooking an actor of such global significance was indeed a shame. However, she highlighted that if Dharmendra were alive, he would not have been affected by the Oscars’ snub. She then expressed her gratitude for the love she and her late husband, Dharmendra, got from the people of India. She was quoted as saying:

"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. Dharamji was known and recognised 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. Even I didn’t get any award for my best performances in Lal Patthar and Meera."

Netizens' reaction to the late actor, Dharmendra, being snubbed from the Oscars 2026

The late legendary actor, Dharmendra, was one of the most beloved actors of Hindi cinema. He passed away on November 24, 2025, just days before his 90th birthday. Now, while his die-hard fans were expecting him to be honoured during the Oscars 2026 'In Memoriam' segment, they were disheartened after he was snubbed during the live broadcast. An angry fan wrote, "The Oscars showed a list of people who passed away last year, yet didn’t mention Dharmendra—a legendary Indian actor who gave his entire life to cinema. Why so much hype when our icons get no recognition?" 

Another fan commented, "#Oscars or just a Hollywood PR show? Disgraceful to snub Bollywood legend Dharmendra in the ‘In Memoriam’ tribute after 60 years of cinema. Stop using Priyanka for clout if you can’t respect our icons. Not truly international!" It is worth mentioning that Hollywood icons, including Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Redford, Udo Kier, Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman, and Val Kilmer, were honoured during the Oscars 2026 'In Memoriam' segment.

Hema Malini pens an emotional note wishing her late husband, Dharmendra, on his 90th birthday

On November 24, 2025, Dharmendra passed away, leaving behind his family, friends and fans heartbroken. He was 89 years old when he left for the heavenly abode. Just a few days later, on December 8, 2025, his family remembered him and wished him a happy birthday. Recounting their sweet memories together, Hema Malini wrote an emotional note for Dharmendra on his 90th birthday. Taking to her X (formerly Twitter), Hema Malini wrote:

"Dharam ji, Happy birthday, my dear heart. More than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken, slowly gathering up the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing that you will always be with me in spirit. The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased and just reliving those moments bring me great solace and happiness. I thank God for our lovely years together, for our two beautiful girls who reaffirm our love for each other and for all the beautiful, happy memories that will remain with me in my heart."

What are your thoughts on Dharmendra being snubbed from the Oscars 2026? Let us know.

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