BAFTA Awards 2026 Honors Dharmendra In Memoriam Segment
Global film community pays homage to the late Indian cinema legend alongside Hollywood icons.
- Publish date: since 14 hour Reading time: two min read
At the 79th British Academy Film Awards on February 22, the celebrated late Indian actor Dharmendra was honored in the ceremony’s poignant In Memoriam segment, marking a powerful moment of recognition for his enduring legacy in cinema.
The tribute took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall and resonated deeply with audiences in India and around the world as film legends who passed away over the last year were remembered.
During the segment, British singer Jessie Ware performed an emotional rendition of Barbra Streisand’s classic “The Way We Were,” while a visual montage showcased images of the industry’s most influential figures, reminding viewers of their contributions to global cinema. Among the international legends featured were Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Rob Reiner, Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer, with Dharmendra prominently included in the tribute.
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Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, was widely celebrated as one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile and charismatic performers. His illustrious career spanned more than six decades and included iconic roles in films such as Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Chupke Chupke. Known affectionately as the “He-Man of India,” the actor also shared the screen with his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol in later projects.
The inclusion of Dharmendra in the BAFTA tribute marked a moment of immense pride for Indian cinema lovers, who took to social media to express their gratitude and emotion upon seeing the legend honoured on a global stage. Many noted that the acknowledgement reaffirmed his impact and influence beyond India’s borders.
The In Memoriam segment at BAFTA 2026 underscored the universal language of film and celebrated the careers of artists whose work resonated across generations and cultures, ensuring their legacies will continue to be cherished by audiences everywhere.