At 89, Dharmendra—the towering figure who defined rugged heroism in Hindi cinema for over six decades—is fighting for his health in the ICU at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He was admitted on Sunday, November 10, 2025, after reporting sudden breathlessness, sparking a wave of panic across India’s film community and among millions of fans who grew up watching him in classics like Sholay and Seeta Aur Geeta. By Tuesday, November 11, the family had issued a firm statement: he’s stable. And no, he’s not on a ventilator. And absolutely, he is not dead.
Family Steps In to Silence the Noise
The confusion began with unverified social media posts claiming Dharmendra had slipped into a coma or worse. But the truth came from those who know him best. His son Sunny Deol, a sitting BJP Member of Parliament for Gurdaspur, released a measured statement through his office: "Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Kindly don't indulge in spreading false rumours." His wife, veteran actress Hema Malini, personally told India Today and Deccan Herald that he was "recovering and responding to treatment." The emotional weight of those words shouldn’t be understated—Hema, now 76, has stood by his side since the 1970s, through box office highs and personal trials. Her voice carried more authority than any hospital bulletin.That same day, the hospital’s parking lot became a makeshift red carpet for Bollywood royalty. Salman Khan arrived first, then Shah Rukh Khan, both quietly slipping in and out. Later, Aamir Khan came with his wife, Gauri Spratt, their presence a quiet nod to a man who once ruled the screen without CGI or stunt doubles. Even Abhay Deol, Dharmendra’s nephew, and Nikhil Dwivedi, a close friend, were seen at the Juhu residence, signaling the family’s deep network of care.
A Day in the Life of a Legend’s Hospitalization
The timeline of November 11 was tightly choreographed by grief and love. At 14:28 IST, Dharmendra’s daughter Esha Deol and son Bobby Deol arrived at the hospital. By 15:50 IST, Sunny Deol exited with his two sons, Karan and Rajveer—three generations of Deols, united in concern. Later that evening, Hema Malini, Esha, and Abhay left together, their faces drawn but composed. Security had been doubled around the hospital; police officers stood guard as journalists and fans gathered, hoping for a glimpse, a word, a sign. The family’s plea for privacy wasn’t just polite—it was necessary. In an age where health rumors go viral faster than oxygen levels drop, silence was their shield.More Than a Star: A Living Archive of Hindi Cinema
Dharmendra didn’t just act—he embodied a certain kind of Indian masculinity: tough, tender, and unapologetically human. He starred in over 300 films, from the romantic drama Ayee Milan Ki Bela in 1964 to the gritty action epic Sholay in 1975, where he played Jai, the loyal friend who took a bullet for destiny. He was the man who carried the entire weight of 1970s Bollywood on his shoulders—sometimes literally, as he did in Phool Aur Patthar, where he lifted boulders and broke chains with the same ease he used to hug his on-screen wife.Even now, at nearly 90, he hasn’t stepped away. His last film, Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), reminded a new generation that charm doesn’t age—it evolves. And he’s not done yet. He’s slated to appear in director Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming thriller Ikkis, opposite Agastya Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson. That’s not retirement. That’s rebellion.
What’s Next? A Nation Waits
The medical team at Breach Candy Hospital has remained tight-lipped, as is protocol. But insiders say Dharmendra’s condition is being treated as a complex case of age-related respiratory strain, not a sudden cardiac event. He’s been on oxygen support, not a ventilator—a crucial distinction the family was quick to correct. Recovery, if it comes, will be slow. But Dharmendra has never been one to rush. He built his legacy one frame at a time, one scene, one line, one silent glance that said more than any dialogue could.His story isn’t just about health. It’s about legacy. It’s about how a man who started as a village boy from Punjab became a symbol of resilience—not just on screen, but in life. And now, as the lights dim around him, the entire industry holds its breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dharmendra on a ventilator?
No, according to official statements from his family and confirmed by Hema Malini, Dharmendra is not on a ventilator. He is receiving oxygen support and is being monitored closely in the ICU. Rumors of intubation were explicitly denied by representatives on November 11, 2025.
How serious is Dharmendra’s condition?
While his condition is serious due to his advanced age and respiratory distress, family sources describe him as "stable" and "responding to treatment." He has not suffered a cardiac arrest or stroke, and his vital signs remain within manageable parameters. Recovery, if it occurs, will likely be gradual.
Why did so many Bollywood stars visit him?
Dharmendra is a living legend who mentored generations of actors, including his own sons and stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna. His presence in over 300 films made him a pillar of Hindi cinema. Visits from Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan reflect deep personal respect, not just professional courtesy.
What projects is Dharmendra still working on?
He is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan. He also recently appeared in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), proving his enduring relevance. His work ethic has never wavered, even as his body has aged.
Has Dharmendra been hospitalized before?
Yes. In 2022, he was hospitalized for a minor infection and later recovered at home. In 2020, he underwent a routine cardiac check-up after feeling fatigue, but no major intervention was required. This 2025 hospitalization is his most serious in recent memory, but not his first.
How can fans support Dharmendra and his family?
The family has asked fans to pray for his recovery and avoid sharing unverified updates. Social media speculation has caused distress, so the best support is silence—respecting their privacy, not flooding the internet with rumors. A simple message of hope, sent privately, means more than a viral post.
