Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai on November 1 after experiencing breathing difficulties. The 89-year-old screen icon, beloved by millions of fans across India, required immediate medical attention following complaints of breathlessness.
Family Provides Health Update
Hema Malini, the actor's wife, confirmed that medical professionals were keeping the veteran star under continuous observation. The Dream Girl actress has been by her husband's side throughout the medical emergency, providing updates to concerned family members and well-wishers.
Adding to the reassurance, Dharmendra's daughter Esha Deol took to Instagram to announce that her father's condition had stabilized. The Dhoom actress wrote: "We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for Papa's speedy recovery." Her message clearly indicated that while the actor was improving, the family needed space during this challenging time.
Celebrating Dharmendra's Cinematic Legacy
As the beloved actor recovers, fans and film enthusiasts have been revisiting his extraordinary filmography that spans over six decades. Here are some of his most memorable performances that cemented his status as a Bollywood legend.
Sholay (1975)
Sholay remains the crowning achievement in Dharmendra's illustrious career. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, this iconic film featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, and Jaya Bhaduri. Dharmendra's portrayal of Veeru, the cheerful and loyal friend to Amitabh's Jai, became etched in cinematic history. The film achieved remarkable commercial success, grossing approximately ₹35 crore worldwide upon its 1975 release according to The Financial Express.
Chupke Chupke (1975)
This hilarious comedy featured Dharmendra as Professor Parimal Tripathi, who falls in love with Sharmila Tagore's character Sulekha Chaturvedi. The film, which also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, and Om Prakash, showcased Dharmendra's impeccable comic timing as his character adopted various disguises throughout the narrative.
Satyakam (1969)
Dharmendra delivered one of his most critically acclaimed performances in this Hrishikesh Mukherjee masterpiece. His portrayal of Satyapriya Acharya earned widespread praise and contributed to the film winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. The adaptation of Narayan Sanyal's Bengali novel also received the 1971 Filmfare Best Dialogue Award.
Other Notable Films
The actor's diverse filmography includes several other remarkable works. Haqeeqat (1964) saw him playing Captain Bahadur Singh in Chetan Anand's war drama based on the 1962 Sino-Indian War. In Yaadon ki Baaraat (1973), he starred opposite Zeenat Aman in a story of tragedy and resilience. Anupama (1966) featured him alongside Sharmila Tagore in another Hrishikesh Mukherjee classic that won the National Film Award. Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) paired him with Hema Malini in a dual role, foreshadowing their real-life relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dharmendra?
The veteran actor is currently 89 years old.
When did Dharmendra marry Hema Malini?
The couple tied the knot in 1980 after working together in several successful films.
When was Sholay released?
The iconic film Sholay was released in 1975 and continues to be celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece.
As Dharmendra continues his recovery journey, the entire Indian film industry and his countless fans worldwide await positive news about the health of one of Bollywood's most enduring stars.
