Widespread panic swept through the film industry and amongst fans today following circulating reports that legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra was in a critical condition and had been placed on ventilator support at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. However, family representatives swiftly and categorically refuted these alarming claims, confirming that the 89-year-old veteran is stable and remains hospitalized only for medical observation and recovery.
Dharmendra, affectionately known as the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema, had been admitted to the hospital a week ago after reportedly complaining of breathlessness. While his condition remains serious given his advanced age, his team has directly addressed the most concerning rumours, calming fears across the nation.
A representative for Dharmendra’s son, actor Sunny Deol, issued an immediate clarification to quash the false reports about the actor being on life support.
“It’s rumour mongering like always. Dharmendra ji is stable and under observation. He is recovering and is under observation. He is absolutely NOT on a ventilator,” the representative stated, requesting media and fans to respect the family’s privacy during this time.
The family further assured the public that the actor’s admission was prompted by age-related health issues and that he is receiving care from a senior team of specialists at the South Mumbai facility. Wife and actress Hema Malini also provided an update, telling reporters, “We’re hoping for his speedy recovery,” after visiting the veteran star at the hospital.
Despite the initial breathlessness complaint, hospital staff have confirmed that Dharmendra’s vital parameters, including his heart rate and blood pressure, remain within a stable range, providing a measure of relief amid the frenzy of conflicting reports.
Dharmendra’s current hospitalisation began following what was initially described as a routine medical check-up late last month. Given his approaching 90th birthday in December, the actor undergoes periodic tests and observation. However, the subsequent complaint of breathlessness led doctors to admit him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring.
The actor has been famously proactive about his health, frequently sharing inspiring videos on social media showcasing his commitment to fitness, physiotherapy, and yoga, despite minor age-related health issues in recent years. This transparency about his health routine made the rumours of his critical status particularly shocking to his fanbase.
Dharmendra’s continued dedication to his craft serves as a testament to his enduring spirit. At 89, he remains remarkably active in the film industry, often defying his age with powerful screen presence.
His recent, much-lauded role in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) earned him immense critical and audience appreciation. Furthermore, he is set to star in the highly-anticipated war drama ‘Ikkis,’ directed by Sriram Raghavan, where he plays the father of war hero Arun Khetarpal. The commitment to such demanding projects underscores his professional vigour and his desire to continue acting well into his nineties.
As the veteran actor continues his recovery under expert medical care at Breach Candy Hospital, the entire film fraternity and his legions of fans are united in sending prayers and good wishes for his swift return home. The latest official update firmly puts to rest the disturbing ventilator rumours, confirming his stable condition and recuperation.
