Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra, 89, has been discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday morning. The actor, who was admitted on October 31 after complaining of breathlessness, will now continue his recovery at home, doctors confirmed.

Dr. Prof Pratit Samdani, who treated Dharmendra at the hospital, confirmed to NDTV that the actor’s medical care would continue at home.

“Dharmendraji has been discharged from the hospital around 7.30 am. He will be treated at home as the family has decided to give him home treatment,” said Dr. Samdani.

An ambulance was seen leaving the hospital early in the morning for the actor’s residence.

Dharmendra’s family issued a statement confirming his discharge and urging fans and the media to respect their privacy.

It read, “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.”

Earlier on Tuesday, some online reports wrongly claimed the actor had passed away. Responding strongly, Esha Deol, Dharmendra’s daughter, shared an update on Instagram, saying her father was “stable and recovering.”
She wrote, “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request that everyone give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for Papa's speedy recovery.”

Esha also turned off comments on the post to stop further speculation.

Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, also reacted sharply to the false reports.

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 extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy.”

Meanwhile, Dharmendra’s elder son, Sunny Deol, shared an update saying, “Dharmendra is responding. Family is hoping for a miracle.”

According to sources, the actor had been on ventilator support since November 10 and was in a critical condition before his health began to improve.

Many from the film fraternity visited Dharmendra during his hospital stay. Among them were Hema Malini, Sunny and Bobby Deol, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, Aamir Khan, and his partner Gauri Spratt.

Widely loved as the ‘He-Man’ of Hindi cinema, Dharmendra has delivered iconic films such as Sholay, Dharam Veer, Chupke Chupke, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, and Dream Girl. He was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

The actor will next appear in Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda in the lead role. The film is scheduled to release on December 25.