Veteran Bollywood superstar Dharmendra, aged 89, has finally returned to his Mumbai residence after spending nearly two weeks admitted at the city's prestigious Breach Candy Hospital. The beloved actor was hospitalised after experiencing breathlessness, causing significant concern among his legions of fans and his family.
A Family's Relief and Ongoing Concerns
In an exclusive conversation with Rediff, Dharmendra's wife, actor and Member of Parliament Hema Malini, opened up about the emotionally draining ordeal. She confessed that the past fortnight has been immensely difficult for her personally and for the entire Deol family. "It has not been an easy time for me," Hema Malini revealed, while expressing her profound relief at having her husband back home. "I am happy Dharamji is back home," she added, using her affectionate name for him.
The worry was a unifying force for the entire family, which includes their daughters Esha and Ahana Deol, as well as Dharmendra's sons from his first marriage, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol. Hema Malini emphasized that Dharmendra's health is a matter of great concern for all of them, stating that his children have been so anxious they've been losing sleep. She highlighted her own need to remain strong, saying, "I can't afford to be weak—there are too many responsibilities."
Combating False Rumours and the Road to Recovery
The actor's health journey took a serious turn, with medical reports confirming that Dharmendra had been on ventilator support during his stay at Breach Candy Hospital. The situation was further aggravated a day before his discharge when false and malicious rumours of his death began circulating online. A deeply upset Hema Malini took to social media platform X to condemn this irresponsible spread of misinformation, calling it "unforgivable."
In her post, she questioned how supposedly responsible channels could spread such false news about a person who was actively responding to treatment and on the path to recovery. She made a heartfelt plea, urging the media and the public to respect the family's need for privacy during this sensitive time.
While the family is undoubtedly relieved to have him home, Hema Malini made it clear that the veteran actor's recovery is not yet complete and he requires continued care. She expressed her belief in the healing power of love and family, stating, "He needs to be among the people he loves." Ending her statement on a spiritual note, she said, "Baaki toh sab oopar wale ke haath mein hai (Everything else is in the hands of the Almighty). Please pray for us."
Medical Confirmation and Future Projects
Dr. Pratit Samdani, the doctor who was treating the iconic actor, provided an official confirmation of the discharge. He informed the news agency ANI that Dharmendra was discharged around 7:30 am and will continue his prescribed treatment from the comfort of his home. Dr. Samdani joined the family in their hope, adding, "Pray that his recovery continues."
On the professional front, fans of the actor have something to look forward to. Dharmendra is set to appear next in the film 'Ikkis', which also stars Agastya Nanda. The project is currently scheduled for a release on December 25.
