Esha Deol Reacts To Her Papa, Dharmendra Being Snubbed From Oscars 2026, ‘Life Was Never…’

The highly anticipated award show, the Oscars 2026, has finally concluded. However, it was the ‘In Memoriam’ segment that stole the spotlight. In this segment of the Oscars 2026, industry figures from around the world who lost over the past year were honoured. However, Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, Dharmendra, was notably missing from the tribute. While late Indian actors, Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar, were recognised in the detailed list on the Oscars’ official website, they were omitted during the live broadcast. Now, Dharmendra’s daughter, Esha Deol, has reacted to the following.

Esha Deol reacts to her papa, Dharmendra, being snubbed from the Oscars 2026

Recently, Esha Deol sat for a conversation with Subhash K Jha for Variety India. During the conversation, Esha was asked to share her thoughts on her papa, Dharmendra, being snubbed at the 98th Academy Awards. In response, Esha said that she doesn’t think the matter would have made a difference to her papa. It is worth mentioning that Bollywood’s beloved actor, Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, dedicated his life to cinema. Esha highlighted that for her papa, life was never about recognition, fame or status, and it was all about love and kindness. She was quoted as saying:

“I don’t think it would ever make a difference to Papa. His heart has always been far too big to worry about such things. For him, life was never about recognition or status—it was about love, kindness, and the place he held in people’s hearts.”

Hema Malini opens up about her late husband, Dharmendra, being snubbed from the Oscars 2026

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Hema Malini also shared her thoughts on her late husband, Dharmendra, being snubbed from the Oscars 2026. She mentioned that the late actor would have never bothered about the following incident because, for him, the love from his fans was above everything. She added that the Oscars 2026 should have paid tribute to Dharmendra during the ‘In Memoriam’ segment. She was quoted as saying:

“Personally, Dharam ji never bothered about all this! The love from his fans was above everything. I thank everyone for their concern and for remembering him with such affection even now. The love and respect people have for Dharmendra mean a great deal to us. Oscars should have mentioned Dharam ji’s name certainly.”

In another interview with Bollywood Hungama, Hema Malini slammed the Oscars 2026 for the following. She called the action shameful. She explained that overlooking an actor of such global significance was indeed a shame. She added the actor would have never bothered about the Oscars’ snub, as in his lifetime, he never got too many awards. She mentioned that Dharmendra eluded awards. Sharing her example, Hema Malini stated that even she didn’t get any award for her best performances in Lal Patthar and Meera.

Esha Deol’s special wish to her papa, Dharmendra, on his 90th birthday

On November 24, 2025, Dharmendra passed away and left his near and dear ones mourning. He died just a few days before his 90th birthday. On December 8, 2025, Esha shared a carousel featuring her and her dad, Dharmendra. She penned a heartfelt note along with the snaps. An excerpt from her note can be read as:

“To my darling Papa. Our pact is the strongest bond. ‘Us’ through all our lifetimes, all the realms and beyond. We are always together papa. Be it heaven or earth. We are one. For now, I have very tenderly, carefully & preciously tucked you in my heart, deep, deep inside to carry on with me for the rest of this lifetime. I so painfully miss you papa. I love you papa. Your darling daughter, your Esha, your Bittu.”

What are your thoughts on Esha Deol’s reaction? Let us know.

Also Read: Hema Malini Takes A Dig At Oscars 2026, After Late Husband, Dharmendra Was Snubbed, ‘A Shame…’