Veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi, famed for his portrayal of Sai Baba in Manoj Kumar’s Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977) and for the role of Guru Vashishta in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, is critically ill and undergoing treatment at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after being admitted earlier this month, multiple reports say. Dalvi, 86, has been diagnosed with severe sepsis and his family has appealed for financial help to meet mounting medical expenses.
What we know (verified facts)
- Hospitalisation and condition: Sudhir Dalvi was admitted to Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, on 8 October 2025, and medical teams have been treating him for severe sepsis — a life-threatening systemic infection that requires intensive care. Reports describe his condition as critical and say he remains under close medical supervision.
- Family appeal for funds: Media coverage states the actor’s family has publicly sought financial assistance to help cover the cost of ongoing treatment. Several entertainment personalities and fans have responded with offers of help.
- Industry support: Among those who stepped forward, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni (designer and Ranbir Kapoor’s sister) has publicly donated toward Dalvi’s treatment costs and addressed online criticism of her gesture with measured responses on social media.
A brief look at Sudhir Dalvi’s career and legacy
Sudhir Dalvi (born 20 March 1939, Thane) is a veteran character actor whose career spans film, television and theatre. Key highlights of his long career include:
- Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977): Dalvi’s portrayal of Sai Baba became a defining screen image for generations of viewers and is still widely recalled when the story of Sai is discussed in popular culture.
- Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan: He gained early recognition for the role of Guru Vashishta in the landmark television series Ramayan, which remains one of Indian television’s most influential mythological dramas.
- Television & film body of work: Over decades Dalvi appeared in films and serials such as Junoon (as Nana Nagarkar), Bharat Ek Khoj (Shah Jahan in the Aurangzeb episodes) and other character roles across Hindi and regional screens. His work is chronicled in public filmographies and profiles.
Dalvi’s screen presence—often calm, authoritative and understated—made him a respected figure among directors and audiences alike, and his Sai Baba performance became culturally resonant across India’s devotional and cinematic audiences.
Why this matters
- Cultural resonance: Sudhir Dalvi’s characters—particularly Sai Baba and Guru Vashishta—occupy a special place in popular memory. His illness has therefore drawn significant public attention and an outpouring of concern from fans and colleagues.
- Healthcare costs for senior artistes: The episode has once again highlighted issues many veteran artists face—medical costs, limited pension or insurance cover and dependence on community support when severe illnesses strike. Public appeals and industry donations are common stop-gap measures, but they underscore longer-term questions about social security for ageing performers.
Responsible notes and what to avoid
- Media reports are clear that Dalvi is critically ill; however, prognosis details and clinical updates should come only from treating physicians or the family. Avoid sharing or amplifying unverified rumours about his condition. The family and hospital remain the authoritative sources for medical bulletins.
How the public can help (if they wish)
Several outlets reported on a family appeal; well-wishers should rely on verified channels (family statements, recognised charity/relief pages or official industry-led drives) before making donations. Private contact details should not be shared publicly without consent. The media reports note Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s donation as an early example of industry help.
Final word
Sudhir Dalvi’s contributions to Indian cinema and television—especially his emblematic portrayals of devotional and historical figures—have made him a beloved figure for multiple generations. As he battles severe sepsis in hospital, the industry and fans have rallied in support. We will update this page with official medical bulletins or family statements as they are released; until such statements arrive, reporting should stick to confirmed facts and avoid conjecture.