On Thursday, actor Salman Khan opened up about veteran star Dharmendra’s recent health scare, calling him an inspiration and a “father” figure. Speaking at a media interaction during the ongoing Da-Bangg tour in Qatar, Salman said, “Mere aane se pehle ek hi shaks thhe, woh hain Dharam ji,” adding, “He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man and I just hope that he will come back.”

Salman, who also visited Dharmendra at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, shared the message after weeks of concern for the 89-year-old, who had been in and out of the hospital due to illness. The period even saw false reports of Dharmendra’s demise circulating on social media. The veteran actor was discharged on Wednesday and is now recovering at home.

The warmth between the two stars has long been evident with Dharmendra previously referring to Salman as his “third son”.

A video from inside Dharmendra’s hospital room, showing the Deol family gathered around him, went viral earlier this week, raising concerns over patient privacy. We exclusively learnt, on Thursday, that the hospital employee who recorded and circulated the clip has been arrested. Further details are awaited, as authorities are yet to issue a statement.