Bollywood legend Dharmendra ‘stable and recovering’, says daughter

MUMBAI – A wave of panic spread across social media and news channels recently, with reports claiming that veteran Indian actor Dharmendra, 89, had died.

This followed news that he had been

admitted to Breach Candy Hospital

in Mumbai, India, on Nov 10, according to media reports.

His daughter Esha Deol set the record straight on Nov 11, posting on social media platform 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.”

The confusion even reached the corridors of power, with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeting about the news, only to delete the post later.

Dharmendra’s wife, actress Hema Malini, also refuted the media reports about his alleged death.

Taking to social media platform X on Nov 11, she wrote: “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.”

Dharmendra Kewal Krishan Deol, popularly known simply as Dharmendra, is one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors. Known for his striking looks and versatile performances, he earned the affectionate nickname, “He-Man” of Hindi cinema.

Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, he has appeared in over 300 films, setting records with an incredible string of hits.

Some of his notable achievements include delivering eight box-office hits in 1973 and seven consecutive hits in 1987, along with nine successful films in a single year, a record that still stands.

Beyond acting, Dharmendra has also worked as a producer and politician. His immense contribution to Indian cinema was recognised with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2012. THE STATESMAN/ASIA NEWS NETWORK