When the news broke that Bollywood‘s beloved “He-Man” Dharmendra had been hospitalized, the entire film industry and his millions of fans held their collective breath. The 89-year-old icon, just weeks away from his 90th birthday, was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing breathlessness.
In times like these, uncertainty often breeds speculation. But cutting through the noise, his family has provided clear updates: the veteran actor is stable, under observation, and on the path to recovery. His wife Hema Malini, when asked about his condition by concerned paparazzi, simply smiled and reassured everyone, “He’s fine” .
The Current Health Situation
Official Statements from the Family
Dharmendra’s team released an official statement to address the concerns about his health: “Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family’s right to privacy” .
The statement came after various reports had surfaced about the actor’s condition, with some sources even suggesting he required ventilator support . By addressing the situation directly, his team aimed to provide accurate information while managing the understandable concern from fans and media alike.
Family Support System
In a touching show of family solidarity, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol were spotted arriving at Breach Candy Hospital to be by their father’s side . Videos captured Sunny, accompanied by his sons, at the hospital entrance, demonstrating the close-knit family bonds that have sustained the Deol family through decades in the public eye .
Hema Malini has been particularly vocal in providing updates, first offering reassurance at the Mumbai airport with a simple “He’s fine” , and later expressing that “We’re hoping for his speedy recovery” during her hospital visit .
A Look Back at Recent Health History
This isn’t the first health challenge Dharmendra has faced recently. Earlier this year, in April, the veteran actor underwent eye graft surgery . A video of him leaving the hospital with a bandaged eye went viral at the time, in which he reassuringly told fans, “I am strong. Abhi bhi Dharmendra mein bahut dum hai” (I still have a lot of strength in me) .
In October, he was again admitted to the same hospital for what his team described as “routine medical tests” . His team explained that “He undergoes a series of tests periodically given his age, and is in the hospital for the same” , emphasizing that there was no cause for alarm.
The Dharmendra Legacy: More Than Just Bollywood’s He-Man
Six Decades of Cinematic Excellence
With a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films , Dharmendra has secured his place as one of Indian cinema’s most enduring icons. Born Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab , he first captured audience’s hearts after winning Filmfare magazine’s nationally organized new talent award.
His breakthrough came in the mid-1960s with films like “Ayee Milan Ki Bela,” “Phool Aur Patthar,” and the war drama “Haqeeqat” . But it was throughout the 1970s that he achieved true superstardom with iconic performances in classics like “Sholay,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” “Dharam Veer,” and “Chupke Chupke” .
Family Man and Mentor
Beyond the silver screen, Dharmendra’s role as a father and mentor to his acting sons has been central to his story. He first married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at age 19, before entering the film industry . Together they had four children – two sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, both successful actors, and two daughters, Vijeta and Ajeeta .
His subsequent marriage to co-star Hema Malini created headlines, but has endured as one of Bollywood’s most celebrated unions . The couple has two daughters – Esha Deol, who followed in her parents’ acting footsteps, and Ahana Deol, who works as an assistant director .
The bond between Dharmendra and his sons remains strong decades into their own successful careers. Just this past Father’s Day, Sunny Deol shared a heartfelt tribute to his father on Instagram: “Happy Father’s Day, Papa. Your strength, your love, and your endless guidance have shaped the man I am today. Proud to be your son — always walking in your footsteps” .
Still Shining: Dharmendra’s Continuing Passion for Cinema
What’s remarkable about Dharmendra is his unwavering passion for acting, even as he approaches 90. He was last seen on screen in the 2024 film “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon .
His next appearance will be in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming biographical war drama “Ikkis,” which marks the acting debut of Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda . The film, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetrapal, is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025 – just weeks after Dharmendra’s 90th birthday on December 8 .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dharmendra on a ventilator?
While some sources have reported that Dharmendra is being treated in the ICU with ventilator support , the official statement from his team describes him as “stable and under observation” without confirming those specific details.
How old is Dharmendra?
Dharmendra is currently 89 years old and will turn 90 on December 8, 2025 .
What is Dharmendra’s upcoming film?
Dharmendra will next be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama “Ikkis,” co-starring Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film is based on the life of the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, Arun Khetarpal, and is scheduled for release in December 2025 .
Who are Dharmendra’s children?
Dharmendra has six children from two marriages. With his first wife Prakash Kaur, he has four children: Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and two daughters named Vijeta and Ajeeta. With his second wife Hema Malini, he has two daughters: Esha Deol and Ahana Deol .
A Living Legend’s Resilience
As Dharmendra continues his recovery at Breach Candy Hospital, the overwhelming sentiment from fans and colleagues alike is one of hope and admiration. This latest health challenge is another chapter in the remarkable life of an actor who has consistently defied expectations and broken records throughout his career.
From the village of Sahnewal in Punjab to the pinnacle of Bollywood success, Dharmendra’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The same strength that made him Bollywood’s original “He-Man” continues to serve him well as he faces the challenges that come with advancing age.
As his team rightly requests, let us respect the family’s privacy during this time while keeping the beloved actor in our thoughts. If his previous recoveries are any indication, we haven’t seen the last of Dharmendra’s signature smile and enduring screen presence.
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