Dharmendra honoured at BAFTA 2026 with heartfelt tribute in memoriam with global legends

Dharmendra honoured at BAFTA 2026

• Dharmendra honored in BAFTA 2026 In Memoriam segment
• Jessie Ware performed during the tribute at Royal Festival Hall
• Dharmendra remembered as a Hindi cinema icon after his 2025 death

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The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) held on February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall within London's Southbank Centre, honouring the best national and foreign films of 2025. India has left a mark on the global night with its first-ever win and a special tribute.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, who was one of the world-renowned figures, was honoured during the tearful In Memoriam portion on Sunday night. The late superstar, who died in November 2025, was commemorated among some of the most well-known figures in world film.

Jessie Ware performing "The Way We Were" during 'In Memoriam' segment.#EEBAFTAspic.twitter.com/E2CYnG4f2x

— Enjoy The Music (@EnjoyTheMusic9) February 22, 2026

The tribute resonated thousands of miles afar in India as much as within the Royal Festival Hall.

A montage of famous movie stars appeared on the screen as singer Jessie Ware performed a heartfelt version of Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were.

Diane Keaton, Terence Stamp, Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Tom Stoppard, Brigitte Bardot, Lalo Schifrin, Michael Madsen, and Val Kilmer were among the international icons honoured in the part.

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It was a proud moment as Dharmendra's image popped onto the screen; a Hindi cinema icon was being acknowledged on one of the biggest stages in the world.

For the unversed, Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at his Mumbai residence at the age of 89, following a prolonged illness. He was admitted to the hospital due to respiratory complications weeks before his death.

Also Read: BAFTA awards 2026: Check complete list of winners At The 79th British Academy Film Awards

Known as the "He-Man" of Hindi cinema, he had a more than 60-year career.

His performances defined an era, from Sholay to Seeta Aur Geeta and Mera Gaon Mera Desh. He became one of the most adored actors in Indian film because of his seamless charisma, emotional depth, and on-screen persona. Numerous fans and members of the film industry attended to pay their condolences at the Pawan Hans cremation in Mumbai, where his last rituals were performed.