Dharmendra Honoured at BAFTA 2026 Tribute

The 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) turned emotional on Sunday night as it remembered veteran Indian actor Dharmendra during its In Memoriam segment.

The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, honoured film personalities from across the world who passed away over the past year.

Emotional Tribute on Stage

Singer Jessie Ware performed a moving rendition of Barbra Streisand’s classic song The Way We Were during the tribute segment.

As she sang, a video montage played on screen, remembering several prominent names from global cinema. Dharmendra was included among the icons acknowledged for their contribution to film.

The moment struck a chord with audiences, particularly in India, where fans shared messages online expressing pride and gratitude that the veteran actor was remembered on an international stage.

Global Icons Remembered

The In Memoriam segment featured several well-known figures from the entertainment world.

However, some viewers took to social media to point out that certain names were not included in the tribute, expressing disappointment. These reactions reflected the emotional weight the segment carries for fans worldwide.

BAFTA has not issued any statement regarding the omissions.

Dharmendra’s Legacy

Dharmendra passed away on November 24 last year at his residence in Mumbai. He was 89.

Born in 1935 in a village in Ludhiana, Punjab, he began his film journey in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. Over the next few decades, he became one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable faces.

He gained early attention in films such as Bandini and Ayee Milan Ki Bela, before earning wider acclaim with Chetan Anand’s Haqeeqat. His performance in Phool Aur Patthar further cemented his place as a leading star.

Dharmendra went on to feature in several major hits, including Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Seeta Aur Geeta, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Yaadon Ki Baraat. Known for his action roles, he earned the popular title of the “He-Man” of Indian cinema.

In later years, he appeared alongside his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol in films such as Apne and the Yamla Pagla Deewana series.

He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

A Moment of Pride

The inclusion of Dharmendra in the BAFTA tribute was seen by many as a significant acknowledgement of his global impact.

While the ceremony celebrated contemporary achievements in film, the In Memoriam segment served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of artists who shaped cinema across generations and borders.

For fans in India, the tribute was not just a farewell — but a moment of international recognition for one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.