Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, known as one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile and beloved stars, was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Tuesday, sparking concern among fans and industry colleagues. The 88-year-old actor, who continues to charm audiences with his performances and warm public presence, had recently impressed viewers with his emotional role inKaran Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023).
Dharmendra, fondly called the He-Man of Bollywood, remains active on social media, where he frequently shares snippets from his personal life and messages of gratitude to his fans. His hospitalisation prompted an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes across platforms.
Farah Khan recalls how Salman and Shah Rukh waited hours for Dharmendra
Even as fans expressed concern over his health, an old interview of filmmaker Farah Khan resurfaced online, delighting netizens with a heartwarming story about Dharmendra’s legendary aura on set.
In a conversation with the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), Farah revealed that during the shooting of the iconic song Deewangi Deewangi from Om Shanti Om (2007), several top Bollywood stars waited for hours just to watch Dharmendra perform.
“There is a shot where Dharam ji is dancing, and Salman and others jump in — that wasn’t planned,” Farah said. “They were waiting behind the camera for four hours in Shah Rukh’s van, just to see Dharam ji’s shot. And while he was dancing, they just jumped in spontaneously.”
She added with a laugh, “If you see Saif, he doesn’t even know what’s happening. He’s like, ‘kya ho raha hai?’”
The spontaneous moment went on to become one of the most memorable sequences in Om Shanti Om, symbolising the camaraderie and admiration among Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Family and fans gather as Dharmendra undergoes treatment
Since the news of Dharmendra’s hospitalisation broke, members of the Deol family have been spotted at Breach Candy Hospital. His wife, veteran actor and politician Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, Sunny’s sons Karan and Rajveer, and Bobby’s wife Tanya Deol were seen arriving to visit the ailing actor.
Several close friends from the industry, including Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, also visited the hospital to check on Dharmendra’s condition, underscoring the immense respect he continues to command across generations of actors.
Earlier, social media was flooded with unverified reports claiming that Dharmendra had been placed on ventilator support. However, these rumours were firmly denied by Sunny Deol’s team, which assured fans that the veteran actor was stable.
“It’s rumour mongering like always. Sir is getting better and is under observation. There’s nothing to worry,” Sunny Deol’s team clarified in a statement to ETimes.
Dharmendra’s legacy in Indian cinema
Over his illustrious career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra has appeared in over 250 films, including timeless classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, Phool Aur Patthar, and Yaadon Ki Baaraat. Known for his effortless mix of rugged masculinity and gentle charm, he remains one of the most loved stars in Indian cinema.
In recent years, Dharmendra has continued to take on selective roles that highlight his depth as an actor. His portrayal in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani earned widespread praise for its emotional nuance and screen presence.
On the professional front, Dharmendra will next be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis, a war drama co-starring Agastya Nanda, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra recipient Arun Khetarpal.
Conclusion
While fans remain anxious about his health, sources close to the Deol family have reiterated that the actor is recovering well under medical supervision. The overwhelming response from the film fraternity and the public highlights the deep affection Dharmendra continues to inspire.
As the industry waits for official updates, well-wishers across India are hoping for his speedy recovery — a testament to the legendary status of one of Bollywood’s most enduring icons.