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BAFTA 2026: Dharmendra receives global tribute as sole Indian actor in 'In Memoriam'
The 'He-Man of India' receives a poignant tribute at London’s Royal Festival Hall
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Feb 2026, 2:28 PM
There are moments in cinema that transcend borders, reminding us that true stardom knows no bounds. That moment belongs to the renowned Dharmendra at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), which were hosted this week in London's Royal Festival Hall. The 'He-Man of India' received a global honour in a heartfelt 'In Memoriam' segment that has left supporters everywhere feeling proud and nostalgic.
As a live musical performance echoed through the prestigious hall, Dharmendra’s image appeared on the massive screens, alongside some of the greatest names in world cinema. The segment, designed to remember the film personalities we lost over the past year, felt like a heartfelt ode to a man who spent over six decades defining the quintessential Bollywood hero.
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Reports from the venue suggest the hall filled with spontaneous applause the moment his face appeared — a testament to his far-reaching impact. He was also the only Indian actor to be featured in the 2026 BAFTA In Memoriam list. Seeing him placed alongside global icons like Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Brigitte Bardot, and Val Kilmer underlined the sheer scale of his international recognition.
Following his passing in November 2025 at the age of 89, and his posthumous Padma Vibhushan honour in India, this BAFTA tribute feels like the final, prestigious seal on a lifetime dedicated to the craft of storytelling.
From the rugged action of Sholay to the sensitive depth of Anupama and Satyakam, he balanced bravado with a soulfulness that few could replicate. To see a boy from Punjab, who started with a talent contest and conquered Bollywood, being celebrated at the Royal Festival Hall is a full-circle moment for Indian cinema. A reminder that while he may have been India’s 'He-Man', his legacy travelled to the global stage.
