The 79th BAFTA Film Awards were filled with big wins and global glamour — but one of the most emotional moments of the night came during the In Memoriam segment. As the ceremony paused to honour artists the world lost over the past year, one Indian name stood out on the grand London stage: Dharmendra.
For many watching from India, it was a powerful and deeply moving sight.
A Sole Indian Presence in This Year’s Tribute
As British singer Jessie Ware delivered a soulful rendition of “The Way We Were,” Dharmendra’s image appeared alongside global legends such as Udo Kier and Brigitte Bardot. He was the only Indian actor featured in the 2026 In Memoriam segment.
Dharmendra, fondly known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Just months before his death, his final film Ikkis, a period war drama, had hit theatres. In a fitting tribute to his legacy, a restored version of Sholay — titled Sholay: The Final Cut — was re-released in 4K on what would have been his 90th birthday.
For generations of fans, he wasn’t just a movie star. He was an era.
Joining a Rare League of Indian Icons
While this year’s tribute felt special, Dharmendra now joins a distinguished group of Indian artists previously honoured by BAFTA.
In 2021, the Academy paid tribute to Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor — two towering figures whose passing left a huge void in Indian cinema.
In 2022, music legend Lata Mangeshkar was remembered for her extraordinary contribution to film music, including a nod to her historic 1974 performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Even earlier, screen pioneer Dilip Kumar was acknowledged for shaping the emotional grammar of Hindi cinema.
Dharmendra’s inclusion this year reinforces something important — that Indian cinema’s influence continues to resonate far beyond Mumbai’s film studios.
A Moment of Pride — And Debate
The In Memoriam segment also honoured Hollywood stalwarts like Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Robert Duvall. Yet, as often happens with global tributes, conversations quickly followed.
Some fans pointed out the absence of other recently departed Indian veterans, including Manoj Kumar, Satish Shah, and Asrani. Awards ceremonies, by their nature, cannot include everyone — but the discussions reflected how deeply audiences care about preserving cinematic legacies.
Still, Dharmendra’s presence ensured that India’s film heritage had a visible place in the tribute.
India’s Strong Showing Beyond the Tribute
The 2026 BAFTAs weren’t just about remembrance — they also celebrated contemporary storytelling. The Manipuri film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Excel Entertainment, secured a major win in the Children’s & Family Film category.
That victory served as a reminder: Indian cinema isn’t just part of history — it’s actively shaping the present.
Final Words
Seeing Dharmendra honoured on the BAFTA stage was more than a fleeting awards-show moment. It was recognition of a life devoted to cinema — and of an industry whose reach stretches far beyond borders.
From Dilip Kumar to Irrfan Khan, from Lata Mangeshkar to Dharmendra, Indian legends continue to find space in global remembrance.
And on a night that celebrated the best in film, that quiet acknowledgment felt just as meaningful as any trophy.
