Hema Malini and Dharmendra.
Credit: Instagram/@imeshadeol
On the morning of November 12, legendary actor Dharmendra was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital, where he had been receiving care for several days. He was seen being taken by ambulance back to his Juhu bungalow. The family later issued an official statement saying that the actor is now home and will continue to receive further treatment from home.
An official statement from the family confirmed, “Mr Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family’s privacy during this time. We appreciate everyone’s love, prayers, and good wishes for his continued recovery, good health, and long life. Please respect him because he loves you.”
Actress and wife Hema Malini informed Subhash K Jha that the children are deeply relieved that he has been discharged from the hospital, despite being 'sleepless' with worry."
She said, “It has not been an easy time for me. Dharamji’s health is a matter of great concern for us. His children are sleepless. I can’t afford to be weak, 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 upar wale ke haath mein hai (Everything else is in the hands of the Almighty). Please pray for us,” as quoted by TOI.
Earlier, Dr Pratit Samdani, who is treating Dharmendra, said, “He has been under my care for a long time. He has now been discharged from the hospital, but his treatment process will continue at home.”
Family friend and Ziddi director Guddu Dhanoa was one of the first to visit the actor at his Juhu residence. He told the media, "All I can say is that he is doing fine. I can't say anything further."
Later in the evening, Amitabh Bachchan visited his Sholay co-star to check on his health. Visuals of Big B driving himself to meet Dharmendra went viral on social media.
There has been mounting anxiety about the veteran star with conflicting reports, some even declaring that he had died on Tuesday. As condolences began on social media and elsewhere, the family decided to shut down the rumours and said that he was responding to treatment.
Media crews have been parked outside Deol's home for the last couple of days since news came in that Dharmendra had been put on a ventilator.
Earlier, Hema Malini criticised “irresponsible” media coverage of the veteran actor’s health in a post on social media.
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" (sic).