MUMBAI: In a sigh of relief for fans and the film fraternity, veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra was discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital this morning and has returned home to continue his recovery under family supervision. The 89-year-old icon, affectionately known as the "He-Man" of Hindi cinema, had been admitted earlier this week for complaints of breathlessness, sparking widespread concern and unfounded death rumors that swept across social media.

The discharge comes just a day after the Deol family vehemently denied false reports of the actor's passing, with daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini publicly slamming the "unforgivable" misinformation. "The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news," Esha posted on social media Tuesday, urging followers to pray for her father's well-being instead. Hema Malini echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Dharmendra was stable and responding positively to treatment.

Dr. Pratit Samdani, who oversaw Dharmendra's care at the hospital, confirmed the family's decision to bring him home around 7:30 a.m. "Dharmendra ji has gone from the hospital with full satisfaction. His family has taken him home. Everything has been arranged for him," Dr Samdani told reportes. Sunny Deol's team also issued an statement shortly after, stating: "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."

Dharmendra, celebrated for over 300 films including timeless classics like Sholay, Deewaar, and more recent hits such as Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, was accompanied home by his two sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. Visuals from outside the Deol residence in Juhu showed a warm yet subdued welcome, with fans gathering to chant prayers and hold placards wishing the legend a speedy recovery. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra's Sholay co-star, was spotted driving to the home to personally check on his friend, a gesture that underscored the deep bonds within the industry.

The All India Cine Workers' Association (AICWA) also extended heartfelt wishes in a post on X: "Bollywood legend Dharmendra Ji has now recovered and returned home. The immense love and blessings from his fans, the film fraternity, and the entire nation are with him always." Celebrities like Bhagyashree, who issued an apology after mistakenly sharing condolences based on erroneous reports, and Divya Dutta, who reflected on her shared hometown roots with the actor in Sahnewal, Punjab, joined the chorus of support. Filmmaker Anil Sharma called him a "fighter, hero," assuring fans that "he will be alright."

Dharmendra's health scare led to several Bollywood events being canceled, including a screening of Delhi Crime Season 3 by actress Huma Qureshi, in a show of solidarity. As the veteran actor rests at home—where doctors from Breach Candy are reportedly making follow-up visits the focus now shifts to his ongoing recovery ahead of his 90th birthday next year.