Veteran Bollywood legend Dharmendra, known lovingly as the “He-Man” of Indian cinema, was recently discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after a brief period of medical treatment. The news has brought immense relief to his fans and family, especially wife Hema Malini, who has now spoken publicly about his health, their emotional struggle, and how the family is coping during this delicate time.
In a heartfelt conversation with film journalist Subhash K. Jha, as reported by The Times of India, Hema Malini shared a deeply emotional update about her husband’s health and how the last few days have tested their family’s strength.
“It Has Not Been an Easy Time for Me”: Hema Malini on Dharmendra’s Health
The veteran actress and parliamentarian did not hold back her emotions when describing the last few days. “It has not been an easy time for me,” Hema said. “Dharamji’s health is a matter of great concern for us. His children are sleepless. I can’t afford to be weak — there are too many responsibilities. But yes, I am happy he’s back home. We are relieved he is out of hospital. He needs to be among the people he loves. Baki toh sab uparwale ke haath mein hai (Everything else is in God’s hands). Please pray for us.”
Her words perfectly capture the balance between vulnerability and strength that Hema Malini has maintained throughout her life — both as a public figure and as the wife of one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars.
Dharmendra’s Hospitalisation: What Happened
Dharmendra, 89, was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month after reportedly feeling unwell. Though the family did not disclose the specific reason for his hospitalisation, sources close to the family confirmed that it was due to health complications requiring medical supervision.
Dr. Pratit Samdani, one of the senior physicians at the hospital who has been overseeing Dharmendra’s care, told PTI, “Dharmendra ji was discharged from the hospital around 7:30 am. He will be treated at home as the family has decided to give him treatment at home.”
The decision to shift the actor’s recovery to his residence was made after careful consultation between the doctors and family members. Given his age, the environment of home — surrounded by loved ones — was considered ideal for his recuperation.
Relief and Responsibility: The Family’s Silent Struggle
For Hema Malini and the rest of the Deol family, Dharmendra’s health scare has been emotionally taxing. The family — which includes sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol Vohra, and their extended families — reportedly maintained a constant vigil during his hospital stay.
Hema, known for her grace under pressure, admitted that the responsibility has been heavy. “There are so many things to look after. I have to remain strong for him and the family. His children are restless, they can’t sleep. But everyone’s main feeling is relief — that Dharamji is home again,” she said.
The emotional toll of caring for an aging loved one, especially someone as iconic as Dharmendra, cannot be understated. Despite her own busy schedule — managing parliamentary duties, family, and public engagements — Hema has continued to prioritize her husband’s health and comfort above all else.
“He Needs to Be Among the People He Loves”
One of the most touching things Hema Malini said in her interview was her emphasis on emotional recovery. “He needs to be among the people he loves,” she stated, highlighting that being surrounded by family, love, and familiar energy can sometimes do more for healing than medication alone.
This sentiment reflects the close-knit nature of the Deol family. Though Dharmendra and Hema’s children have built independent careers, they remain deeply attached to their father. Sunny Deol, fresh off the massive success of Gadar 2, reportedly made frequent hospital visits despite his packed schedule. Bobby Deol, who has been receiving acclaim for his recent work in films and OTT series, was also seen spending time with his father, ensuring he was comfortable.
Esha and Ahana, Dharmendra’s daughters with Hema Malini, were also actively involved. Both are known to share a warm bond with their father, often posting affectionate messages for him on social media during special occasions.
Fans and Industry Offer Prayers
As news of Dharmendra’s hospitalisation spread, social media was flooded with concern and well-wishes from fans, celebrities, and colleagues. The hashtag #GetWellSoonDharmendra trended for hours as people shared clips from his classic movies and heartwarming moments from his long career.
Actors across generations expressed their affection — from veteran colleagues like Shatrughan Sinha and Prem Chopra to younger stars like Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Abhishek Bachchan, all of whom have shared the screen or maintained personal relationships with the veteran star.
Even politicians and public figures sent messages of support, acknowledging not only Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema but also his legacy as a symbol of charm, strength, and timeless masculinity.
Prem Chopra’s Concern for Dharmendra
Interestingly, another veteran actor, Prem Chopra, who was admitted to the same hospital around the same time, was reportedly more concerned about Dharmendra’s health than his own.
Prem’s son-in-law, actor-singer Vikas Bhalla, told The Times of India that Chopra was undergoing routine check-ups and was doing fine. “When I visited him this morning, he was completely fine and cheerful, but he was concerned about Dharmendra ji’s health,” Vikas said.
Prem Chopra, 90, was admitted for a minor infection and a few routine medical tests, all of which returned normal results. But his immediate concern for his longtime friend and co-star reflects the strong bond between the veterans who shared screen space in several Hindi films through the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
A Love Story That Continues to Inspire
Hema Malini and Dharmendra’s relationship remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring love stories. Married in 1980, the couple has been together for over four decades, weathering the highs and lows of stardom, family complexities, and public scrutiny.
Their bond is rooted in mutual respect and companionship. Over the years, Hema has often described Dharmendra as her “strength” — someone who always supported her creative pursuits, from acting to classical dance to politics.
Now, in their later years, that support system seems to have beautifully reversed — with Hema becoming his anchor, standing firm and steady by his side through health challenges. Her words — “I can’t afford to be weak” — echo the resolve of a woman who has lived her entire life balancing glamour with grace and responsibility.
Dharmendra’s Recent Appearances and Health Concerns
Despite being in his late 80s, Dharmendra has remained active in films. His last notable on-screen appearance was in Karan Johar’s family drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (2023), where he starred alongside Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Alia Bhatt, and Ranveer Singh. His tender portrayal and emotional presence in the film earned him praise from both critics and audiences.
Before that, he was seen in the web film Tera Naam Kya Hai and made cameo appearances that delighted fans, proving his enduring popularity.
Over the past few years, Dharmendra has occasionally faced minor health issues, including episodes of fatigue and dehydration. Yet, every time he bounces back, it is with his trademark smile and a reassuring message to his fans — often shared via social media from his farmhouse in Lonavala, where he spends much of his time gardening, reading poetry, and staying active.
“Pray for Us,” Says Hema Malini
Hema Malini ended her recent interaction with a humble request to fans and well-wishers. “Please pray for us,” she said softly, adding that the family draws immense strength from the love and prayers they receive from across the world.
Her appeal reflects the quiet humility that both she and Dharmendra have always embodied — despite being one of the most celebrated couples in Indian cinema, they have maintained a sense of simplicity and spiritual faith that endears them to generations of admirers.
A Legacy Beyond Cinema
Dharmendra’s life has been one of remarkable versatility — from a romantic hero in the 1960s to an action star in the 1970s and a beloved family patriarch in the decades that followed. With films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Anupama, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, and Dharam Veer, he established himself as an actor who could do it all — comedy, drama, romance, and action.
His journey from a farmer’s son in Punjab to one of India’s most iconic film stars is the stuff of cinematic legend.
Even today, when health concerns make headlines, fans continue to look at him with admiration — as someone who lived his life with passion, humility, and courage.
The Road Ahead
Now back home, Dharmendra is expected to continue resting under medical supervision, surrounded by his family. Reports suggest that physiotherapy and light exercises have been incorporated into his daily routine to ensure a steady recovery.
Though no official statement has been released about his next public appearance, fans are hopeful that the veteran will soon share another video or message — something he has often done to thank well-wishers for their love.
