Veteran actor Dharmendra, 89, has been placed on ventilator support since November 10, according to sources close to the family. Amid swirling rumours about his health and reports of his death, his daughter Esha Deol has assured fans that the legendary star is stable and recuperating.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Esha Deol addressed the growing speculation around her father’s condition. “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. The actor also disabled the comments section on her post to avoid further speculation.

Dharmendra’s wife, actor and politician Hema Malini, has condemned what she described as “irresponsible” media reports surrounding the veteran star’s health.

In a post shared on X, Malini 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.”

Her remarks came after several public figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and lyricist Javed Akhtar, shared tributes on X, mistakenly assuming Dharmendra had passed away. The family, however, has firmly refuted the rumours, confirming that the actor is stable and continuing to recover.

Dharmendra was admitted to the hospital more than a week ago after experiencing breathing difficulties. In April, he underwent an eye graft surgery. Sources said his condition worsened on Monday, describing it as “critical.” 

Family members, including his wife and fellow actor Hema Malini, sons Sunny and Bobby Deol, and grandsons Karan and Rajveer Deol, were spotted visiting the hospital on Monday evening. Later, Hema Malini also shared an update on her husband’s health through Instagram, writing, “I thank everyone for their concern about Dharam ji who is in hospital for observation. He is being continuously monitored and we are all with him. I request you all to pray for his welfare and speedy recovery.”

Several Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, his son Aryan Khan, Salman Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel, were seen visiting the hospital to check on the veteran actor.

Regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most beloved stars, Dharmendra is known for his iconic performances in classics such as ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Dharam Veer’, ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’, and ‘Dream Girl’. He was last seen on screen in ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Dharmendra will next appear in Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, featuring Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda in the lead role. The film is scheduled for release on December 25.