Dharmendra was recovering; ventilator was to come off: Saira Banu
What's the story
Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. The news has not been explicitly confirmed by his family, but numerous stars were seen arriving at Pawan Hans crematorium for the last rites. He reportedly died in Mumbai after his condition deteriorated on Monday morning. His Saazish co-star Saira Banu spoke to News18 about the loss, saying, "He was recovering. He was going to be off the ventilator. What do I say!"
Fond memories
Banu remembered Dharmendra's bond with Dilip Kumar
Banu also remembered the close bond between Dharmendra and her late husband, Dilip Kumar. Speaking to Zoom, she recalled, "Dilip Sahab ke chote bhai the vo bilkul, aur vo Dilip Sahab ko apna bada bhai maante chale, inspired by Dilip Sahab to come into the film industry..." "He was absolute family to Dilip Sahab and us and he was so dear to me, he was so down to earth."
Health decline
Dharmendra's health deteriorated this morning
Dharmendra, who was recently discharged from Breach Candy Hospital after treatment for breathlessness, had been recovering at home. However, his health reportedly deteriorated on Monday morning, and he was rushed to the hospital. His son Sunny Deol's team had confirmed earlier this month that the veteran actor was discharged from the hospital and would continue his recovery at home.
Last appearance
Dharmendra's final film set for release on Christmas
Dharmendra's final film, Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, will be released on December 25. The makers had shared his character poster just hours before his passing with the caption: "Fathers raise sons. Legends raise nations... One timeless legend brings us the story of another."