Dharmendra’s Absence From Oscars’ in Memoriam Segment Draws Backlash From Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha: ‘It Is a Shame’

Why It Matters

The exclusion underscores ongoing questions about the Oscars’ global inclusivity and its impact on Bollywood’s international standing, potentially prompting calls for more equitable recognition of non‑Western cinema.

Key Takeaways

• Dharmendra omitted from Oscars In Memoriam
• Hema Malini and Shatrughan Sinha publicly criticized omission
• Previous Oscars snubs included Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
• Bollywood actors demand broader cultural representation
• Oscars’ global relevance questioned due to exclusion

Pulse Analysis

The Academy’s In Memoriam segment has become a staple of the Oscars, offering a televised salute to artists who died in the preceding year. At the 98th ceremony, the montage featured Hollywood stalwarts such as Robert Redford, Rob Reiner and Diane Keaton, but it left out Dharmendra, the six‑decade‑long icon of Indian cinema. His absence was noted by viewers worldwide, especially as the segment is billed as a global tribute. The omission sparked immediate reactions on social media and in Indian entertainment press, turning a routine moment into a controversy.

The snub revives a pattern that has long troubled Bollywood’s relationship with the Academy. In 2022, the In Memoriam segment omitted Lata Mangeshkar, and earlier ceremonies overlooked Dilip Kumar, prompting outspoken criticism from Indian stars and cultural commentators. Critics argue that the Academy’s selection criteria remain overly Western‑centric, marginalising artists whose primary markets lie outside the United States. With Bollywood producing over $2 billion in annual box‑office revenue and increasingly collaborating with Hollywood studios, the demand for equitable acknowledgment has grown from a niche grievance to a strategic industry concern.

Industry leaders, including Hema Malini and Shatrughan Sinha, have called the oversight a shame, urging the Academy to broaden its cultural lens. Their statements highlight a growing expectation that global award shows reflect the diversity of world cinema rather than a narrow Hollywood narrative. If the Oscars continue to overlook non‑Western legends, they risk alienating a lucrative international audience and weakening partnerships with emerging markets. A more inclusive In Memoriam roster could serve as a symbolic bridge, reinforcing the Academy’s claim to be a truly worldwide celebration of film.