Mumbai, 11 Nov

Dharmendra is “stable and recovering”, the veteran actor's family said on Tuesday, urging the media to stop circulating false news about his health.

The 89-year-old star continues to remain under observation at a Mumbai hospital.

Earlier in the day, there were several news reports about Dharmendra's death but daughter Esha Deol dismissed them in a post on Instagram.

“The media seems to be in over-drive 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,” Esha wrote on Instagram.

Dharmendra’s wife, actor-politician Hema Malini, also criticised “irresponsible” media coverage of the veteran actor’s health in a post on X.

"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," Malini wrote.

A representative of Dharmendra's son, actor Sunny Deol, said the veteran star is "responding to treatment".

"Sir is recovering and responding to treatment, let’s all pray for his good health and long life," the representative told PTI.

The statements by Esha Deol and Malini came after several prominent figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and lyricist Javed Akhtar, posted tributes on X. They later deleted their posts.

Dharmendra has been in and out of south Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for several days.

Malini had, earlier on Monday night, urged people to remain calm and pray for Dharmendra's recovery.

"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," she posted.

Sunny Deol's representative also shared a similar update on Monday.

"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 PR representative said.

The entire Deol family, including Malini, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, are currently at the hospital. Superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan visited the family. Govinda and Ameesha Patel were also seen at the hospital.