Veteran Bollywood superstar Dharmendra became the center of widespread death rumors on November 11, 2025, sending shockwaves through the film industry and among millions of fans worldwide. However, his family swiftly and decisively refuted these reports, with daughter Esha Deol confirming that the 89-year-old acting legend is alive, stable, and recovering at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.
Family Issues Strong Denial Against False Reports
Esha Deol took to Instagram to address the false news circulating across various media outlets and social media platforms. “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,” she wrote in a statement that directly challenged several news organizations that had prematurely announced the legendary actor’s passing.
His wife, veteran actress and politician Hema Malini, also blasted news channels for spreading unverified information and misinformation about her husband’s health. She took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to thank fans for their concern while clarifying the situation and requesting prayers for his recovery.
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.
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) November 11, 2025
Current Health Status and Hospitalization
The “He-Man” of Bollywood was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai after complaining of breathlessness and experiencing respiratory complications. According to hospital sources, Dharmendra has been under intensive medical observation for over a week, with doctors closely monitoring his condition around the clock.
Reports that emerged on Monday night, November 10, indicated that his condition had deteriorated, with some sources claiming he was placed on ventilator support to assist with his breathing. This prompted an immediate outpouring of concern from the Bollywood fraternity, with numerous major stars rushing to the hospital to check on the veteran actor’s wellbeing.
Despite the concerning reports about ventilator support, the family has maintained that his condition remains stable and that he is responding well to treatment.
Bollywood Fraternity Rallies in Support
The Who’s Who of Bollywood descended upon Breach Candy Hospital as news of Dharmendra’s hospitalization spread. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by his son Aryan Khan, visited the veteran actor on Monday evening, spending time with the family and offering support. Fellow superstar Salman Khan also made a visit to the hospital after learning about Dharmendra’s condition.
Later that night, actors Govinda and Ameesha Patel were spotted arriving at the hospital to meet with the Deol family and pay their respects to the ailing legend. The entire Deol family, including sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, along with Hema Malini, have been maintaining a constant vigil by his bedside throughout his hospital stay.
Official Statement from Dharmendra’s Management
An official statement released by Sunny Deol’s team on behalf of the family emphasized Dharmendra’s stable condition while requesting privacy during this difficult time. “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 carefully worded statement read.
The management team also issued warnings against spreading false rumors and urged fans, media outlets, and the general public not to believe or share unverified reports about his health condition. They emphasized that any official updates would come directly from the family or authorized representatives.
Recent Health History and Medical Challenges
This is not the first time the veteran actor has faced health challenges in recent months. Earlier this year in April 2025, Dharmendra underwent corneal transplant surgery to address vision issues related to cataracts and age-related eye problems. Following the successful procedure, the actor was photographed leaving the hospital and displayed his characteristic fighting spirit, telling photographers, “I have a lot of strength. I still have life in me”.
In October 2025, just weeks before the current hospitalization, Dharmendra was also admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for routine medical checkups and periodic tests. His management team described these visits as standard health monitoring procedures given his advanced age, though they did not elaborate on specific concerns at that time.
The Misinformation Crisis
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how rapidly misinformation can spread in the digital age, particularly regarding the health of beloved public figures. Several established news outlets and countless social media accounts reported Dharmendra’s death before any official confirmation, forcing the family to repeatedly issue denials and corrections.
The Deol family has made repeated appeals for responsible journalism, accuracy in reporting, and respect for privacy during this sensitive time. They have requested that fans and well-wishers continue to pray for Dharmendra’s speedy recovery while allowing the family the space they need to focus on his care and treatment.
As the situation continues to develop, fans across India and around the world remain hopeful for the recovery of one of Bollywood’s most enduring and beloved legends
