Dharmendra, who passed away in December last year, was not included in the In Memorium segment at the Oscars held recently. This left several in the film industry, including the late actor’s wife Hema Malini, daughter Esha Deol and actor Shatrughan Sinha. Now, Rob Mills, EVP of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, who was in-charge of the telecast for the Academy Awards, has responded to the backlash.
In a conversation with Variety, Rob explained that the final call on who is included in the segment lies with Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Defending the process, he said, “It is hard. I think it’s the hardest thing they possibly do.”
He added, “It’s always difficult when they are villainised for this. Yes, there are always people who are left out. Unfortunately, we are losing more and more people—especially legendary figures—every year, so it becomes the hardest needle to thread. I do think what they presented last night might have been the best In Memoriam in the history of the Oscars.”
The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 16, honoured several prominent figures such as Robert Redford, Rob Reiner and Diane Keaton, among others. However, the absence of Dharmendra—widely regarded as a legend with a career spanning over six decades—triggered widespread criticism.
Earlier Hema Malini had reacted to the snub. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama she said, “It is a shame, of course. A shame for them to have overlooked an actor who means so many things to so many people in many parts of the world. Dharamji was known and recognised everywhere.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Shatrughan Sinha told Variety India, “It is a matter of shame for them if they don’t honour Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and now Dharmendra. But why should it matter to us? They are forever entrenched in our hearts.”
Commenting on the issue, Esha had said, “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."
