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BAFTA 2026 Honors Bollywood Legend Dharmendra in Moving 'In Memoriam' Tribute

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts honored the late Bollywood legend Dharmendra during the 'In Memoriam' segment of its 2026 awards ceremony. Acclaimed singer Jessie Ware delivered a moving performance of "The Way We Were" alongside a special video montage celebrating Dharmendra's life and career. The tribute highlighted his iconic roles and enduring impact on global cinema, reinforcing his status as a transcendent cultural icon. Dharmendra, who passed away in November 2025, was remembered for his versatility and charismatic screen presence in classic films like 'Sholay'.

Key Points: BAFTA Pays Tribute to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

  • Emotional 'In Memoriam' segment
  • Jessie Ware's live performance
  • Montage of Dharmendra's iconic career
  • Celebration of global cinematic legacy
  • Tribute to 2025 industry losses
2 min read

BAFTA honours Indian cinema legend Dharmendra during Jessie Ware's emotional 'In Memoriam' performance

BAFTA's 2026 'In Memoriam' segment featured a tribute to Indian cinema legend Dharmendra during Jessie Ware's emotional performance.

"The tributes we pay... are moments for pause, reflection and remembrance. - BAFTA"

London, February 23

The prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts paid a heartfelt tribute to Bollywood legend Dharmendra during its 'In Memoriam' segment at the BAFTA 2026 awards, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Indian cinema's most iconic figures.

In a moment that beautifully bridged cultures, the legendary actor was honoured during a deeply moving performance by acclaimed British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware.

Ware, during the 'In Memoriam' segment of the BAFTA 2026, delivered an emotional version of Barbra Streisand's 'The Way We Were', marking a sombre moment in which those who passed away last year were commemorated.

A special video montage accompanied Ware's live performance, highlighting the life, career, and achievements of the late actor.

The package showcased Dharmendra's memorable journey in cinema, blending visuals of his iconic roles with reflections on his contributions to the global film industry. The legendary actor, Dharmendra, passed away on November 24, 2025, in Mumbai.

As Ware's soulful performance echoed through the auditorium, the atmosphere was transformed into a celebration of cinematic artistry, resilience and timeless storytelling. Dharmendra's presence in the montage reinforced his status as a global icon whose work transcended borders, inspiring generations of filmmakers, actors and audiences alike.

"Over the last year, we have sadly lost many friends and colleagues from the film industry, and we now take a moment to pay tribute to them with a special performance from Jessie Ware. The tributes we pay at our Film, Games and Television Awards are moments for pause, reflection and remembrance of all the extraordinarily talented people who dedicated their lives to the screen arts," stated the official social media handle of BAFTA.

Dharmendra, widely celebrated for his versatility and charismatic screen presence, left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema with memorable performances in films like 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke', 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', and 'Anupama', among several others. Known as the 'He-Man' of Bollywood, he inspired millions of fans worldwide and significantly shaped the Indian film industry with his dedication, professionalism, and contributions both on and off screen.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This brought tears to my eyes. My grandfather used to watch all his movies. Seeing him honoured in London, with that beautiful song... it feels like a proper global acknowledgment of Indian cinema's golden age. Thank you, BAFTA.
R
Rohit P
A fitting tribute to a true He-Man. While it's great to see this, I do wish our own Indian award shows would dedicate such poignant, well-produced segments to our legends. Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us how to honour our own with true grace.
S
Sarah B
As someone who discovered Bollywood later in life, Dharmendra's charisma was undeniable. It's beautiful how art transcends language and culture. This tribute shows how impactful his work was, reaching audiences far beyond India.
V
Vikram M
Garam Dharam getting his due on a world stage! His comedy timing in Chupke Chupke was legendary, and his action in Sholay defined a genre. Proud moment for Indian cinema fans. His work truly did transcend borders.
K
Kavya N
Emotional read. He was my mother's favourite actor. These international honours are important—they cement our cultural icons in the global narrative. It's not just about recognition; it's about preserving legacy for future generations everywhere.

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