Veteran Actor Dharmendra, 89, on Ventilator Support at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital

Mumbai, Nov 2025 — Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, 89, has been placed on ventilator support at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he has been admitted for several days. The veteran star’s condition is critical and he is currently under intensive medical care.

Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and influential icons, was initially brought to the hospital for what was believed to be a routine check-up. However, on October 31, top doctors at Breach Candy placed him under strict medical observation for further evaluations. While the exact reason for his hospitalization has not been officially disclosed, medical teams have continued to monitor him closely due to concerns over his health. His 90th birthday is just weeks away, on December 8.

According to sources, his condition took a concerning turn over the weekend, resulting in the decision to shift him to ventilator support. Family members and close associates have been visiting him, though the family has not issued any public statement yet.

Recent Work and Upcoming Projects

Despite his advanced age, Dharmendra has remained active in films. He was last seen in the 2024 romantic comedy Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. His performance, though brief, won warm appreciation from fans who continue to cherish his screen presence.

The actor is also part of Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming war drama Ikkis, which features Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia in lead roles. The film, based on the life of Arun Khetarpal—the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee—also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher. Ikkis is slated for a December release, adding to the emotional weight of the situation as fans hope the beloved star recovers to see the film reach audiences.

A Six-Decade-Long Cinematic Legacy

Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema is monumental. With a career spanning over six decades and more than 300 films, he is regarded as one of the most handsome, versatile, and commercially successful actors in Bollywood history. He also holds the record for the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema.

He made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, beginning a journey that soon made him one of the industry’s most sought-after leading men. His breakthrough came through landmark films of the mid-1960s such as Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Phool Aur Patthar, and Aaye Din Bahar Ke.

Dharmendra went on to headline some of Bollywood’s most memorable films across genres—action, romance, drama, and comedy—through the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. His notable roles include Ankhen, Shikar, Jeevan Mrityu, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Dost, Pratiggya, Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chacha Bhatija, Ghulami, Hukumat, Aag Hi Aag and The Burning Train.

Equally memorable are his performances in classics such as Anupama, Mamta, Satyakam, Bandini, and Haqeeqat. His comic timing in Chupke Chupke and Dillagi remains iconic to this day.

In the later years, he successfully transitioned to character roles in acclaimed films including Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Life in a… Metro, Apne, Johnny Gaddaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

In 2012, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.

As fans and the film fraternity pray for his recovery, Dharmendra’s immense legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.