Veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi is currently on the path of gradual recovery at home after a severe health scare.The 86-year-old actor, widely revered for his iconic portrayal of Sai Baba in the 1977 classic Shirdi Ke Sai Baba, was hospitalised at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital from October 7 to November 7, 2025, due to severe sepsis (a life-threatening blood infection).
The infection critically impacted his joints and caused a loss of limb mobility, leading to a long stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As the medical bills surpassed ₹10 lakh and crawled toward an estimated ₹15 lakh, his family made a public appeal for financial help. The community responded generously.
In December 2025, the Bombay High Court permitted the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust to donate ₹11 lakh to aid his treatment expenses. Bollywood personalities, including Kartik Aaryan, Ranbir Kapoor along with Shirdi locals, stepped forward with monetary aid.
This writer spoke to Sudhir Delvi’s gracious wife Suhas Dalvi: “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. The hospital was not only expensive, the aura of being in a hospital is very intimidating for a patient.”
Mrs Delvi confirms that the film industry has been generous. “When the news spread that we were unable to meet hospital bills, many from the film industry came forward to help financially. I can’t immediately recall all the names. But Kartik Aaryan , Ranbir Kapoor Akshay Kumar were among the first to help. There were so many others from the film industry and outside. My husband is best known for playing Sai Baba. So many Sai bhakts came forward to help. Who says we’ve become a heartless people? The love and generosity after my husband’s illness is overwhelming.”
Mrs Delvi wants the world to know Sudhir Delvi now needs prayers , not money. “In fact, we request the film association which is so kindly sending money every month, to use that money for someone needier. My husband has received all the medical help he could get. Now it is just prayers that he needs. His recovery is slow. I am myself old and asthmatic. But I am doing my best to look after both of us.”
