Veteran Actor Sudhir Dalvi Returns Home After Hospital Stay
Veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi, best known for his portrayal of Sai Baba in the 1977 filmShirdi Ke Sai Baba, has returned home after spending nearly a month at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. The 86-year-old was admitted on October 7, 2025, with sepsis, a potentially life-threatening infection affecting the bloodstream.
His wife, Suhas Dalvi, said the actor can now walk with the help of a walker, though his mind remains disoriented. "He is at home now. He still has to walk with the help of a walker, and his mind is disoriented. But he is happy to be home. So am I," she told reporters. "The hospital was not only expensive, but the aura of being in a hospital is also very intimidating for a patient."
Financial Assistance From Film Industry and Trust
During his hospitalisation, the family's medical expenses became a concern. Reports indicated that the hospital bills crossed Rs 19 lakh, though his wife noted the family had already paid nearly Rs 10 lakh. Doctors had estimated that the expenditure could rise to over Rs 15 lakh.
In December 2025, the Bombay High Court allowed the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust to provide Rs 11 lakh towards the actor's treatment. Additionally, several members of the film industry came forward to help. Suhas Dalvi said Ranbir Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, and Akshay Kumar were among the first to offer financial support.
"When the news spread that we were unable to meet hospital bills, many from the film industry came forward to help financially," she said. "I can't immediately recall all the names. But Kartik Aaryan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar were among the first to help. There were so many others from the film industry and outside."
She also acknowledged the support from devotees of Sai Baba, noting that "so many Sai bhakts came forward to help." Reflecting on the outpouring of generosity, she asked, "Who says we've become a heartless people? The love and generosity after my husband's illness is overwhelming."
Family Requests Redirecting Funds
Suhas Dalvi said the family no longer requires monetary support and has appealed to the film association, which has been sending money monthly, to use the funds for someone in greater need.
"In fact, we request the film association, which is so kindly sending money every month, to use that money for someone needier," she said. "My husband has received all the medical help he could get. Now it is just prayers that he needs."
She added that his recovery is slow and that she, being old and asthmatic, is doing her best to look after both of them.
A Career Spanning Film and Television
Sudhir Dalvi's career includes appearances in films such asKranti,Satyamev Jayate,Khudgarz,Guru, andKhal Nayak On television, he has featured in shows includingChanakya,Jai Hanuman,Vishnu Puran,Buniyaad, andKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.