NEW DELHI — The family of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has forcefully dismissed false reports circulating about his death. His wife, Hema Malini, son Sunny Deol, and daughter, Esha Deol, spoke out to confirm that the 89-year-old veteran is currently “stable and recovering” in the hospital.
Dharmendra, who has been hospitalized for over a week, became the subject of widespread speculation online. The rumours prompted Esha Deol to issue a definitive statement on her Instagram account this Tuesday.
“My father is stable and recovering,” Deol wrote, directly addressing the misinformation. “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news.”
In her post, which had comments disabled, Deol also appealed for space during this time. “We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papa’s speedy recovery.”
The concern over Dharmendra’s health highlights his enduring legacy in Indian cinema, which spans more than six decades. While widely beloved as the original “He-Man” of Bollywood—an icon with a “fists of iron and heart of gold” persona—his career is marked by incredible versatility.
Beyond his action roles, Dharmendra delivered powerful, nuanced performances in films that challenged social norms. In the 1969 classic Satyakam, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, he portrayed a man of rigid principles struggling to accept his wife’s past. He also showcased his impressive range in the film Gazab, where he skillfully played the role of a mentally challenged man.
The family’s public statement aims to put a definitive end to the harmful rumors, allowing the celebrated actor to recover in peace.