Veteran Bollywood actress Poonam Dhillon, renowned for her memorable performances in iconic movies such as Noorie, Sohni Mahiwal, Yeh Vaada Raha, and Naam, has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after testing positive for dengue fever. The 80s and 90s screen icon has been undergoing treatment at the medical facility for the past few days, prompting an outpouring of concern and wishes for a speedy recovery from her extensive fanbase and film industry colleagues.
Health Status Update and Social Media Disclosure
Amid growing concern among fans, a reassuring update regarding Poonam Dhillon's medical condition was shared by entertainment journalist Vickey Lalwani on social media. Lalwani revealed that he reached out to the veteran actress via text message in the morning to inquire about her wellbeing. Responding to the inquiry, Dhillon confirmed that she is currently recovering under the care of doctors at Lilavati Hospital. The news of her steady improvement has provided much-needed relief to her admirers across the country.
Hospitalisation Amid Ongoing CINTAA Leadership Crisis
The health scare comes at a tumultuous time for the Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), where Poonam Dhillon holds a prominent leadership position. The association has been embroiled in an intense internal conflict over governance and leadership transparency. The controversy deepened in early August when 11 members of the executive committee, including eight elected representatives, submitted their resignations. The outgoing members cited a lack of transparent operations and the absence of collective decision-making processes as key reasons for their exit while calling for immediate fresh elections.
Upasana Singh Allegations of Authoritarian Governance
Escalating the dispute, CINTAA General Secretary Upasana Singh recently voiced severe allegations against Poonam Dhillon and Senior Vice President Padmini Kolhapure. Speaking during a podcast with Vickey Lalwani, Singh claimed that an authoritarian work culture prevailed within the organization. She alleged that show-cause notices were routinely issued to any committee members who dared to disagree with the leadership or refused to fall in line. According to Singh, it was this restrictive environment that drove 11 committee members to step down together.
Dhillon Response and Calls for FWICE Intervention
Prior to her hospitalisation, Poonam Dhillon had firmly dismissed the allegations levied against her. In a media interaction, the veteran star stated that she had no desire to engage in mudslinging activities. She emphasized that such accusations merely stemmed from the personal frustration of an individual who felt denied the degree of attention they sought. Meanwhile, Upasana Singh and the resigned committee members have formally approached the Registrar and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), demanding fair and fresh elections to resolve the leadership deadlock.
