For the past few days, Bollywood’s veteran actor Dharmendra had been receiving treatment at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Yesterday morning, news of his alleged death spread rapidly across social media and news outlets. However, Dharmendra’s daughter, Esha Deol, and wife, Hema Malini, quickly took to social media to quash these rumours, confirming that the legendary actor’s health was stable. They assured the public that the actor was alive and well.
This morning, it was confirmed that Dharmendra had been discharged from the hospital and returned to his bungalow in Juhu. Reports suggest that he will continue his recovery at home, where medical care will be provided.
A statement from the family clarified, “Dharmendra ji has been discharged from the hospital, and his treatment and rest will continue at home. We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from spreading any speculations or rumours at this time and respect his and the family’s privacy.”
The statement also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, adding, “We are deeply thankful for your prayers, well-wishes, and support during this time. Your encouragement has been a great source of inspiration. Please continue to respect his privacy, as he loves you all dearly.”
The false death reports had spread like wildfire on Tuesday morning. By the afternoon, major media outlets such as India Today and Economic Times had falsely confirmed his passing. Prominent public figures, including Union Minister Rajnath Singh, screenwriter Javed Akhtar, actors K.K. Menon, Chiranjeevi, and others, had paid tributes to the actor on social media, believing the rumour to be true. Following this, Esha Deol posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that the reports were false and her father’s condition was stable. In light of this post, many had to retract their earlier messages.
Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, has expressed her anger at the fake news being spread on social media. In a passionate post on X, she condemned the rumour mongering, saying, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible media outlets spread such fake news about a man who is under medical care and slowly recovering? This is highly disrespectful and irresponsible behaviour. We urge everyone to show proper respect for the family and their privacy during this difficult time.”
Hema Malini, along with their sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, visited Dharmendra at the hospital, with many other Bollywood stars, including Amisha Patel, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Govinda, showing their support.
Born in 1935 in Ludhiana, Punjab, Dharmendra, whose real name is Dharam Singh Deol, grew up in a poor farming family. Despite financial struggles, his love for cinema drove him to Mumbai, where he won a Filmfare Talent contest in 1960. His breakthrough came in 1966 with Phool Aur Patthar, which catapulted him to fame as Bollywood’s action hero. Over the next two decades, Dharmendra became a household name, starring in iconic films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Jadugar, Dharm Veer, Dost, Anpadh, and Mera Gaan Mera Desh, where he continuously reinvented himself on screen.
Dharmendra’s personal life has been equally significant, particularly his marriage to actress and Member of Parliament Hema Malini in 1980, a union that became one of the most talked-about events in Bollywood history. Together, they starred in over 30 films, including hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Dream Girl, Shreef Badmaash, Jugnu, and Dost, which remain popular to this day. Dharmendra has two sons from his first marriage to Prakash Kaur—Sunny and Bobby Deol—both of whom are well-established Bollywood actors.