Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, aged 89, was discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2025, at approximately 7:30 AM after receiving treatment for breathlessness since his admission on October 31. Dr. Pratit Samdani, who treated the legendary actor, confirmed that Dharmendra will continue his recovery at home under medical supervision, with his family deciding to arrange home treatment following stable improvement in his condition. The discharge brings relief to millions of fans and the film fraternity after days of concern, particularly following false reports about his health that prompted his family—including wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol—to issue strong statements condemning misinformation and requesting privacy. Dharmendra, affectionately known as Bollywood’s “He-Man,” received visits from numerous industry luminaries during his hospital stay, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Govinda, reflecting the immense respect the film fraternity holds for the actor who has entertained audiences for over six decades with more than 300 films to his credit. The family’s official statement emphasized gratitude for prayers and well-wishes while urging the media and public to respect their privacy during this recovery period.
Sources
Hospital Discharge and Current Health Status
Dharmendra was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning after doctors confirmed he had responded well to treatment and was stable enough for home care. Dr. Pratit Samdani told media: “Dharmendra ji has been discharged from the hospital around 7:30 am. He will be treated at home as the family has decided to give him home treatment.”
Dr. Rajiv Sharma from the hospital added in an exclusive interaction with IANS: “Dharmendra ji has gone from the hospital with full satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him. He is in a stable condition. I request the public not to spread false news but instead pray for his recovery so that he can celebrate his next birthday with pride.”
The family released an official statement through Sunny Deol’s PR team: “Mr. Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family’s privacy during this time. We appreciate everyone’s love, prayers, and good wishes for his continued recovery, good health, and long life. Please respect him because he loves you.”
Family Response to Misinformation
During Dharmendra’s hospital stay, false rumors about his death circulated widely on social media, prompting strong responses from his family. Daughter Esha Deol addressed the misinformation on Instagram: “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papa’s speedy recovery.”
His wife, veteran actor and politician Hema Malini, condemned the irresponsible media coverage in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.”
Bollywood’s Support and Hospital Visits
Throughout his hospital stay, Dharmendra received visits from numerous Bollywood luminaries, reflecting the immense love and respect the industry holds for the veteran star:
– Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan visited the actor at the hospital
– Salman Khan made multiple visits to check on his health
– Aamir Khan, accompanied by girlfriend Gauri Spratt, visited the veteran star
– Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra’s longtime friend and Sholay co-star, drove himself to visit at the hospital and later at Dharmendra’s Juhu residence
– Govinda, who was recently hospitalized himself, confirmed that Dharmendra is “doing fine and improving”
– Ameesha Patel and other industry colleagues paid their respects
Family members including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, wife Hema Malini, and daughter Esha Deol remained by his side throughout the hospital stay.
Dharmendra: Personal Life and Family
Full Name: Dharam Singh Deol | Born: December 8, 1935 (age 89) | Birthplace: Nasrali, Ludhiana District, Punjab, British India | Nickname: “He-Man of Bollywood” | Religion: Sikhism
Marriages and Family:
Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954 at age 19. The couple has four children: sons Sunny Deol (born 1956) and Bobby Deol (born 1969), and daughters Vijeeta Deol and Ajeeta Deol. Both Sunny and Bobby followed their father into Bollywood, becoming successful actors in their own right.
In 1980, Dharmendra married actress Hema Malini, his frequent co-star with whom he shared remarkable on-screen chemistry. To marry Hema Malini, Dharmendra converted to Islam, as Indian law at the time did not allow Hindus to practice polygamy. The couple has two daughters: Esha Deol (born 1981) and Ahana Deol (born 1985). Esha pursued acting and appeared in several Bollywood films.
Dharmendra maintains close relationships with both families and has always emphasized the importance of family values despite the unconventional arrangement.
Legendary Film Career: Over 300 Films
Dharmendra’s cinematic journey spans over six decades, beginning in 1960 with his debut film Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere. He quickly rose to stardom with his combination of rugged masculinity, charm, and versatile acting abilities that allowed him to excel in action, romance, comedy, and drama.
Iconic Films Include:
– Sholay (1975): His most iconic role as Veeru, opposite Amitabh Bachchan’s Jai. The film is considered one of the greatest Indian films ever made and cemented Dharmendra’s status as a superstar.
– Phool Aur Patthar (1966): Established him as a leading man capable of carrying films single-handedly
– Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971): Action-packed rural drama showcasing his action credentials
– Seeta Aur Geeta (1972): Romantic comedy opposite Hema Malini in a double role
– Chupke Chupke (1975): Comedy classic directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, demonstrating his comedic timing
– Dharam Veer (1977): Epic adventure film that became a massive hit
– Jugnu (1973), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Dost (1974), Pratiggya (1975), Charas (1976): String of commercial successes throughout the 1970s
Recent Work: In 2023, he appeared in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani alongside Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. His most recent film was Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. He is set to appear in the upcoming film Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25, 2025.
Awards and Recognition
Filmfare Awards: Dharmendra received two Filmfare Awards for Best Actor for his performances in Phool Aur Patthar (1966) and Satyakam (1969). He has received numerous other Filmfare nominations throughout his career.
Padma Bhushan (2012): India’s third-highest civilian honor, awarded in recognition of his distinguished service to Indian cinema.
Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997): Recognizing his monumental contribution to Hindi cinema spanning nearly four decades at that time.
IIFA Awards: Received the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Political Career: Dharmendra served as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Bikaner, Rajasthan, from 2004 to 2009, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Dharmendra is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most successful and influential actors. His portrayal of strong, action-oriented characters earned him the title “He-Man of Bollywood” during the 1970s and 1980s. His on-screen chemistry with actresses like Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore, Rekha, and Mumtaz created some of Bollywood’s most memorable romantic pairings.
Beyond acting, Dharmendra has influenced multiple generations of actors, including his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, who continue the family legacy in Bollywood. His grandson, Karan Deol (Sunny’s son), has also entered the film industry, extending the Deol dynasty into a third generation.
At 89, Dharmendra remains an active presence in Indian cinema, still working on projects and maintaining a strong social media presence where he shares memories, poetry, and updates with his millions of fans worldwide.
Fan Support and Industry Prayers
Following news of Dharmendra’s discharge, fans and well-wishers flooded social media with messages of relief and prayers for his continued recovery. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) released a statement: “Bollywood legend Dharmendra Ji has now recovered and returned home. The All Indian Cine Workers Association extends heartfelt wishes for his continued wellness. The immense love and blessings from his fans, the film fraternity, and the entire nation are with him always. Wishing our beloved Dharmendra Ji a long, healthy, and happy life ahead.”
Videos circulating online showed emotional fans gathered outside his Juhu residence, some in tears, praying for his speedy recovery. Filmmaker Guddu Dhanoa, Dharmendra’s cousin, visited the actor at home and confirmed to media that “he is doing fine.”
