Recent reports surrounding the health of veteran actor Dharmendra have stirred considerable concern and anxiety among fans. The legendary actor's hospitalization at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital earlier in November 2025 led to a flurry of rumors, including false reports of his death. These rumors were quickly dispelled by his daughter, Esha Deol, who took to social media to assure the public that her father was stable and recovering.
"The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news," Esha Deol stated in an Instagram post. "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 also turned off the comments on the post.
Adding to the distress, several prominent personalities, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CM Yogi Adityanath, and Javed Akhtar, initially posted tributes on social media, further fueling the rumors. Some of these individuals later deleted their posts.
Esha Deol and Hema Malini have criticized the media for circulating false news.
On November 24, 2025, the arrival of an ambulance at Dharmendra's Juhu residence, coupled with tightened security at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, again ignited speculation about his passing. Esha Deol and Hema Malini were spotted arriving at the funeral home. Shortly after, Aamir Khan and Dharmendra's Sholay co-star Amitabh Bachchan, along with his son Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, were also seen arriving at the crematorium.
Amidst the conflicting reports and public appearances, the Deol family has yet to officially confirm Dharmendra's death. The veteran actor, who is 89 years old, has been in and out of the Breach Candy Hospital for some time, with media outlets closely monitoring his health. Earlier reports suggested he was admitted for a routine check-up, while others indicated he was experiencing breathlessness. There were also unfounded claims that he had been placed on ventilator support, which were denied by family representatives.
Well-wishers, including fellow stars Shah Rukh Khan, his son Aryan Khan, and Salman Khan, have visited Dharmendra at the hospital.
