Dharmendra to Be Honoured at Delhi’s First International Film Festival 2026
Months after losing one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved icons, the film industry is preparing to honour Dharmendra in a way that feels long overdue. Hema Malini confirmed she will personally receive a tribute for the late actor at the inaugural International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026. The moment carries both grief and quiet dignity.
Hema Malini Speaks Ahead of IFFD Inauguration
Speaking to ANI before the festival’s opening, Hema Malini praised Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for organising the event. “I would like to congratulate Rekha Gupta ji for organising the International Film Festival in Delhi,” she said. “They are also paying tribute to Dharam ji… So, I will be there to receive it.”
The statement is simple. Yet, for millions who grew up watching Dharmendra on screen, it lands with enormous weight.
What Is the International Film Festival Delhi 2026?
Delhi’s first-ever International Film Festival runs from March 25–31, 2026, across multiple venues in the capital. The week-long event features screenings, panel discussions, and industry exchanges. It aims to unite filmmakers, professionals, and audiences from across the globe.
The opening ceremony at Bharat Mandapam on Wednesday evening is hosted by Arjun Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur. Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Anupam Kher, and Lauren Gottlieb will also attend. Their presence signals Delhi’s ambition to become a serious destination on India’s cultural calendar.
The Oscar Snub That Stung
The tribute arrives in the shadow of a public controversy. The 98th Academy Awards left Dharmendra out of its In Memoriam segment. Hema Malini called it “a shame.” Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, she said the oversight failed to recognise an actor loved far beyond Indian borders.
Her words were measured but pointed. “He never got too many awards during his lifetime,” she added. “Awards always eluded him. Even I didn’t get any award for my best performances in Lal Patthar and Meera.”
That remark carries quiet irony. One of Hindi cinema’s most iconic screen pairs, yet formal recognition largely eluded both. The IFFD tribute, however modest in global scale, therefore carries more weight than it may first appear.
Dharmendra’s Final Days and Legacy
Dharmendra’s health deteriorated in early November 2025. His family — including Esha Deol and Hema Malini — quickly dismissed the death rumours that circulated online. He returned home to Mumbai. However, on November 24, 2025, he passed away, leaving the industry in deep mourning.
His family held his last rites privately. He is survived by Hema Malini, Prakash Kaur, and six children — Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, and Ahana Deol among them.
Meanwhile, his final film Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, hit cinemas on January 1, 2026. Critics and audiences both praised his performance. It was a fitting, if bittersweet, final act.
What Comes Next for Indian Cinema’s Memory Culture
The IFFD tribute will not undo years of overlooked recognition. It does, however, mark a step forward. How Delhi’s inaugural festival handles this moment could shape how Indian cinema memorialises its legends in the years ahead.
