After the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, 2026, angry Indian fans took to social media claiming that legendary Bollywood star Dharmendra had been completely ignored in the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment. The grief was understandable — Dharmendra, who passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 89, was one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved and iconic figures. But here’s what actually happened.
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Oscars 2026 In Memoriam (Full List)
| Artist | Known For |
|---|---|
| Dharmendra | Bollywood He-Man, decades of Hindi film classics |
| Manoj Kumar | Yaadon Ki Baarat, iconic Bollywood patriotic films |
| S. Krishnaswamy | Veteran South Indian filmmaker |
| B. Saroja Devi | Legendary Tamil and Kannada actress |
| Kota Srinivasa Rao | Celebrated Telugu character actor |
What Really Happened — The TV Segment vs The Website
The Oscars televised In Memoriam segment, as aired during the ceremony, highlighted select global names with personal tributes from colleagues — stars like Rob Reiner and Robert Redford received prominent on-screen mentions. Dharmendra’s name was not among those featured on the broadcast, which is what triggered the online outrage from Indian fans.
However, the full picture is different. The Academy maintains a comprehensive In Memoriam 2026 list on its official website, which includes many more names than what airs on television. Dharmendra was indeed included there, alongside fellow Indian legends Manoj Kumar, S. Krishnaswamy, B. Saroja Devi, and Kota Srinivasa Rao.
It is worth noting that in previous years, Indian stars like Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor received dedicated on-air tributes — which is what fans had hoped for and felt was appropriate for someone of Dharmendra’s stature.
Why Dharmendra Deserved More
Dharmendra left behind a career spanning six decades — over 300 films, a National Film Award, and a legacy that remains unmatched in Hindi cinema. His final posthumous role came in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan. The emotional response from millions of fans at his absence from the televised segment speaks to just how deeply he is still missed.
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