Veteran actor Dharmendra is “recovering and responding to treatment,” according to an official update from his son Sunny Deol’s team. The clarification comes after widespread rumours about the actor’s health triggered a wave of misinformation on social media late on Monday night, leading to confusion among fans and even condolence posts from public figures.
Speaking to IANS, Sunny Deol’s team confirmed that the 88-year-old star is under medical care but responding positively. “Sir is recovering and responding to treatment. Let’s all pray for his good health and long life,” the team said in a brief statement. They added that the family appreciates the concern and prayers coming from across the country but requested restraint from the public and media until official updates are shared.
Earlier, the actor’s PR representatives had issued a statement asserting that Dharmendra remains stable and under observation. “Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Kindly don’t indulge in spreading false rumours regarding his health. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family’s right to privacy,” the note had stated.
Despite these clarifications, false reports claiming the actor’s death circulated widely on social media, prompting a flurry of condolence messages from several celebrities and political figures before the misinformation was debunked. Family members, including Hema Malini and Esha Deol, took to social media to condemn the spread of baseless news and reassure fans of the actor’s recovery.
Reacting strongly to the fake news, Hema Malini called the incident “unforgivable” and “highly irresponsible.” In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.”
Esha Deol also issued a statement urging restraint from media and social media users, confirming that her father is stable. “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. 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 wrote.
Dharmendra, known fondly as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” has enjoyed a prolific career spanning over six decades, with iconic roles in films such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Phool Aur Patthar, and Satyakam. The actor continues to command immense respect within the film fraternity and among fans worldwide.
The recent health scare and the subsequent flood of misinformation once again highlight the dangers of unverified news in the digital age. Celebrities and family members often find themselves combating false reports that spread rapidly across social media platforms before official statements are released.
While no specific details about the nature of Dharmendra’s ailment or treatment have been disclosed, sources close to the family have emphasized that the actor is being closely monitored by medical professionals and showing positive signs of recovery.
The incident has sparked renewed conversations about responsible reporting and the ethical obligations of media houses in handling sensitive information about public figures. Industry colleagues and fans have rallied online, sending messages of support and urging others to rely only on verified updates from the family or official representatives.
As of Tuesday morning, Dharmendra continues to remain under observation but is reportedly stable. His family, including Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, and Esha Deol, have requested privacy while the actor recuperates.
The family’s message remains consistent, the veteran star is recovering, and prayers, not rumours, are what the moment calls for.
