Rare Tribute: BAFTA 2026 Recognizes Hindi Cinema Star Dharmendra

The 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards ceremony, held on February 22, 2026, at London's Royal Festival Hall, paid a special tribute to the veteran Hindi cinema icon, Dharmendra. The late actor, who passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, was remembered during the In Memoriam segment.

The emotional tribute unfolded with a live performance by Jessie Ware, who sang Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were." As images of acclaimed artists from around the world appeared on screen, Dharmendra's inclusion was a notable moment, signifying a significant acknowledgment of a Hindi film star at one of Britain's most prestigious film award ceremonies.

Dharmendra's illustrious career spanned over six decades, cementing his status as a prominent figure in mainstream Hindi cinema. His final film appearance was in the period war drama Ikkis, released shortly before his passing. The year 2025 also marked the 4K restoration release of Sholay: The Final Cut in December, commemorating what would have been his 90th birthday.

Alongside Dharmendra, the BAFTA tribute honored several other international film legends, including Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, and Lalo Schifrin. This recognition for Dharmendra continues BAFTA's recent trend of honoring influential Indian artists, following tributes to figures like Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, and Lata Mangeshkar in previous years, highlighting the growing global visibility of Indian cinema.