Key Points
- Dharmendra admitted to Breach Candy Hospital over a week ago after complaining of breathlessness
- Actor’s condition worsened by November 10, 2025, requiring ICU admission and ventilator support
- Hema Malini confirmed to media: “We’re hoping for his speedy recovery”
- Being treated under supervision of senior cardiologist Dr. Dev Pahlajani
- Family initially denied ventilator reports, but multiple sources now confirm he is on life support
- Sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, along with daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, visiting hospital regularly
- Actor underwent eye graft surgery in April 2025 and will turn 90 on December 8, 2025
- Team requests prayers and privacy for the legendary “He-Man of Bollywood”
Mumbai: Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra’s health has taken a critical turn, with the 89-year-old veteran now on ventilator support at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The actor, who was initially admitted over a week ago after experiencing breathlessness, has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as his condition deteriorated over the past few days.
According to sources close to the family who spoke with NDTV, Dharmendra is currently receiving ventilator support and remains under close medical observation. The Times of India reported that the legendary actor has been placed on ventilator support at the hospital, with his condition described as serious but stable. A hospital source told media outlet Vickey Lalwani, “Dharmendra came in complaining of breathlessness. He is in the ICU and is sleeping now”.
Multiple media outlets, including Mathrubhumi and Moneycontrol, have confirmed that Dharmendra’s health deteriorated over the past few days, leading doctors to place him on ventilator support for advanced medical care. The 89-year-old actor is being closely monitored by a team of specialists led by senior cardiologist Dr. Dev Pahlajani.
While doctors initially stated that Dharmendra’s condition was stable when he was first admitted, reports emerging on November 10, 2025, indicated that his health had worsened, necessitating the use of life support systems. The exact cause of admission and the specific medical condition requiring ventilator support have not been officially disclosed, leaving fans and observers awaiting clarity on whether the issue is primarily respiratory, cardiac, or related to another underlying health concern.
Hema Malini’s Emotional Response
Veteran actress and Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, has been maintaining a constant vigil at the hospital since his condition worsened. The actress was seen rushing to Breach Candy Hospital on Monday evening, clearly anxious but maintaining composure as she arrived to be by her husband’s side.
When contacted by Hindustan Times for an update on Dharmendra’s health amid reports of ICU admission and ventilator support, Hema Malini responded with an emotionally charged message: “We’re hoping for his speedy recovery”. In an earlier message to Bombay Times, she added prayer emojis and wrote, Hoping for his speedy recovery.
The actress’s daughters from her marriage to Dharmendra, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, are also believed to be with their father during this critical time, providing emotional support to both their parents. The family has been gathering at the hospital, with various members taking turns to be present as medical teams work to stabilize the beloved actor.
Just a week ago, when Dharmendra had visited the hospital for what was initially described as a routine checkup, Hema Malini had assured worried fans about his well-being. On November 4, she was spotted at the airport leaving Mumbai, and when photographers asked her about Dharmendra’s health with the question “Sir kaise hain (how is sir),” she had responded simply by gesturing “okay” and folding her hands in gratitude. That reassuring gesture now seems to have preceded a more serious health crisis.
Sons and Family Maintain Vigil
Dharmendra’s sons from his first marriage, actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, have been visiting the hospital regularly to check on their father’s condition. Despite their professional commitments, both sons have been making time to be present during this difficult period for the family.
According to earlier reports, Sunny Deol was engaged in a film meeting when news of his father’s hospitalization first emerged, while Bobby Deol was busy with a shooting schedule. However, as the situation became more serious, family members have been coordinating to ensure someone is always present at the hospital.
A representative for Sunny Deol specifically denied early reports that Dharmendra was on a ventilator, stating that while the actor was hospitalized and his health was not in a great state, he was recovering and under observation. However, as the situation evolved over November 9-10, multiple independent sources confirmed that the actor had indeed been placed on ventilator support, contradicting the earlier denials.
This discrepancy between official family statements and ground reports has created some confusion among fans and media, with many interpreting the initial denials as an attempt to maintain privacy and prevent premature panic while the family processed the seriousness of the situation.
Official Statement from Dharmendra’s Team
In an official statement released to media outlets, Dharmendra’s team attempted to reassure concerned fans while requesting privacy and prayers. “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 statement read.
The team told India Today specifically, “He’s under observation, but there’s nothing to worry about. Dharmendra ji is under the supervision of doctors, but there is nothing to worry about. His condition is stable”. They also called out what they termed “rumour-mongering,” particularly addressing false reports that had circulated about the actor’s passing.
Despite these reassurances, industry insiders have painted a more concerning picture. An industry source told PTI on condition of anonymity, “Dharamji’s health is not in a great state,” suggesting that the situation may be more serious than official statements indicate.
The carefully worded statements from the team and family appear designed to balance transparency with the need to maintain privacy during a difficult medical situation, while also managing public concern about one of Bollywood’s most beloved icons.
Recent Health Challenges
This hospitalization represents the latest in a series of health challenges for the veteran actor. In April 2025, Dharmendra underwent a significant eye graft surgery that included both a cornea transplant and cataract surgery. Following that procedure, the ever-optimistic actor had declared on social media, “I still have a lot of energy,” demonstrating his characteristic resilience and positive spirit.
The 89-year-old actor has been in and out of Breach Candy Hospital multiple times over the past few days and weeks, according to sources. Earlier this month, what was initially reported as a routine hospital visit for medical checkups sparked concern among fans when he was spotted at the facility.
At that time, sources close to the actor had clarified, “Yes, Dharmendra is currently at Breach Candy Hospital, but there is absolutely no cause for concern. The actor is in good health and visits the hospital often for routine medical tests, which is the reason for his current stay. It seems that someone spotted him there, which has led to a frenzy among his fans, but there is nothing to be worried about as he is absolutely fine”.
However, the current hospitalization appears to be far more serious than those routine visits, with the actor now requiring intensive medical intervention and ventilator support.
Legendary Career Spanning Seven Decades
Dharmendra, fondly called the “He-Man of Bollywood,” is one of Indian cinema’s most beloved and enduring icons. He made his film debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” and went on to become a household name throughout the 1960s with memorable performances in films like “Anpadh,” “Bandini,” “Anupama,” and “Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke”.
Over his illustrious career spanning more than six decades, Dharmendra redefined the image of the quintessential Hindi-film hero, bringing a unique combination of rugged masculinity, vulnerability, and charm to his roles. His performances in classics like “Sholay” (1975), “Phool Aur Patthar,” “Satyakam,” and countless others have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Even at 89, Dharmendra has remained remarkably active in films. He was last seen on screen in “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya” (2024) alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. His performance in the romantic comedy demonstrated that his screen presence and acting abilities remain undiminished despite his advanced age.
Upcoming Projects and 90th Birthday
Dharmendra is scheduled to appear in director Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama “Ikkis” (also referred to as “21” in some reports), starring opposite Agastya Nanda, the grandson of Amitabh Bachchan. The film is based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra. The movie is set to release on December 25, 2025.
Additionally, “Apne 2,” a sequel to the 2007 family drama “Apne” that featured Dharmendra alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, is also in the pipeline, though specific release details have not been announced.
The timing of this health crisis is particularly poignant as Dharmendra is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 8, 2025—less than a month away. Fans across India and around the world had been looking forward to celebrating this milestone birthday of one of Bollywood’s greatest stars, making the current situation all the more emotionally charged.
Outpouring of Support from Film Industry and Fans
News of Dharmendra’s critical condition has triggered an outpouring of concern, prayers, and well-wishes from across the film industry and from fans worldwide. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, with colleagues, admirers, and movie lovers sharing their favorite memories of the legendary actor and expressing hope for his recovery.
The veteran actor’s contributions to Indian cinema over seven decades have earned him a special place in the hearts of multiple generations of moviegoers. His transition from romantic hero to character actor and his ability to remain relevant and beloved across changing cinematic eras, has made him a treasured figure in Bollywood history.
Industry colleagues have been reaching out to the family privately, while many have also used social media to publicly express their concern and send positive energy toward the ailing actor. The collective anxiety about Dharmendra’s health reflects the deep affection and respect that the film community and general public hold for this iconic performer.
Current Medical Status and Prognosis
As of November 10, 2025, Dharmendra remains under close medical supervision in the ICU at Breach Candy Hospital, with doctors monitoring his vital parameters round the clock. The use of ventilator support indicates that his breathing difficulties have reached a serious stage requiring mechanical assistance, though the family and medical team have described his condition as “serious but stable”.
The hospital has not released detailed medical information about the specific diagnosis, treatment protocol, or prognosis, citing patient privacy and the family’s request for discretion. However, the involvement of senior cardiologist Dr. Dev Pahlajani suggests that cardiac issues may be among the medical concerns being addressed.
Given Dharmendra’s advanced age of 89 and the seriousness of requiring ventilator support, medical experts note that recovery may be challenging and could require an extended hospitalization period. The next few days are likely to be critical in determining the trajectory of his health and recovery.
The family’s request for prayers and privacy reflects both their hope for improvement and their need for space to support their beloved patriarch through this difficult time. As fans and well-wishers across India and beyond await further updates, the collective hope remains that the “He-Man of Bollywood” will demonstrate the same resilience and fighting spirit that characterized his legendary career.
