Legendary Bollywood star Dharmendra is recovering and in stable condition at the Breach Candy Hospital, contrary to the false reports of his death that spread online by leading media outlets. Falling for this false death news, several celebrities and political leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Javed Akhtar, offered their condolence messages on social media. After knowing the truth from the statements of his family, they later removed the posts.
He had been admitted to the hospital yesterday due to breathlessness. In the meantime, Esha Deol and Hema Malini have issued a statement calling out the media outlets over the false reports about Dharmendra’s death.
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Hema Malini tweeted, "What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering?"
She also added, "This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X by mistake, "Deeply saddened by the demise of veteran actor and former MP Shri Dharmendra ji. A versatile actor who brought life to many memorable characters with his unmatched charm and sincerity. His remarkable contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers."
Renowned lyricist, Javed Akhtar, tweeted at that time, "With Dharm Ji an era of Indian film industry has come to its end. He was a perfect combination of masculinity and gentleness. Dignity and humility. Charm and power. any one who looks at his body of work will know that he was an actor for all the seasons." He also added, "He was a kind and a polite person with a heart of gold. My deepest condolences to Deol family. We who have been fortunate enough to work with him will always miss him."
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Dharmendra ji’s career spans over six decades, featuring in more than 250 films and was celebrated for his versatile roles in classics like Phool Aur Patthar, Seeta Aur Geeta, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Pratiggya, Dharam Veer, and the blockbuster Sholay. In recent years, he made a notable comeback with Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).
Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali village of Ludhiana district, Punjab, Dharmendra’s rise to fame began after winning a Filmfare talent contest in the late 1950s. His breakthrough came with Phool Aur Patthar (1966), which earned critical acclaim and cemented his status as a leading actor. His memorable on-screen pairings with actresses such as Hema Malini, Mumtaz, and Asha Parekh, along with his iconic role as “Veeru” in Sholay, made him iconic forever.
