Sudhir Dalvi Treatment: Bombay HC Allows Shirdi Sai Baba Trust To Provide 11 Lakh Aid For Ailing Actor

Veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi, 86, is critically ill and has been admitted in Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai since October 8, 2025. The Bombay High Court has permitted Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi to extend financial aid of Rs 11 lakh for Dalvi's medical treatment, noting the special connection between the actor and Shree Sai Baba.

The court said the donation is allowed from the Trust's funds, after examining the appeal for help. A bench of Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Hiten S Venegavkar observed that Dalvi's condition and circumstances justify such assistance, as Dalvi is widely known for playing Shree Saibaba on screen and holds a special place among devotees.

Sudhir Dalvi Treatment Financial Aid Cleared By Bombay High Court

While approving the request, the bench recorded its reasoning in detail. It noted, "The Trust can incur the expenses. Taking into consideration the faith of people and the role played by the veteran actor, such help can be then said to be on the basis of the acts done or for which Shree Sai Baba spend his life," it added. The judges linked Dalvi's famous role to the Trust's spiritual objectives.

The judges further stressed Dalvi's urgent need for funds. The order stated, "We are convinced with the fact that the veteran actor is in need of financial help... we permit the applicant Sansthan to give an amount of Rs 11,00,000 for the treatment of veteran actor Mr Sudhir Dalvi," the order added. The bench said the assistance fits within the Trust's legal mandate.

Sudhir Dalvi Treatment Financial Aid Based On Trust's Legal Duties

The bench referred to Section 17(2)(2)(o) of the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) Act, 2004. This provision allows the Trust to support noble causes that promote human well being. The judges said the financial support for Dalvi's treatment falls within this clause, as it advances welfare while respecting the sentiments of devotees.

The Sansthan had approached the High Court seeking permission to extend financial help for Dalvi's medical care. According to advocate Anil S Bajaj, representing the Sansthan, an ad-hoc committee set up by the court had already decided to assist Dalvi. Bajaj informed the bench that Dalvi is suffering from Sepsis and needs substantial funds for continued treatment.

Advocate Bajaj also highlighted Dalvi's long association with the image of Sai Baba in Indian popular culture. The counsel said the 86-year-old actor portrayed Shree Saibaba in the movie "Shree Saibaba" and that this performance is remembered across India. The Sansthan received a letter on October 30, 2025, requesting financial help of Rs 15 lakh towards Dalvi's medical expenses.

After examining the affidavit filed by the Sansthan, the court recorded further details about Dalvi's health. Dalvi is stated to be bed-ridden and is being looked after at home with support from two caretakers and a physiotherapist. The court noted these facts while deciding the final amount of Rs 11 lakh, lower than the Rs 15 lakh sought in the request.

Detail Information
Patient Sudhir Dalvi
Age 86 years
Hospital Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
Admitted since October 8, 2025
Medical condition Sepsis
Amount requested Rs 15 lakh
Amount allowed Rs 11 lakh
Trust involved Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi)

Beyond films, Dalvi built a strong presence on Indian television over several decades. Dalvi appeared in Ramesh Sippy's Buniyaad, played Vashishtha in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, portrayed Shah Jahan in Shyam Benegal's Bharat Ek Khoj, and acted as Bahadur Shah Zafar in Gulzar's Mirza Ghalib. Dalvi also featured in Chandraprakash Dwivedi's Chanakya and Parikshit Sahni's show Junoon.

Dalvi's last major role on television was as Govardhan Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, during the initial phase of the series that ended in 2008. The High Court order links Dalvi's artistic contribution and his iconic portrayal of Sai Baba with the Sansthan's decision, framing the financial aid as both lawful and consistent with the Trust's stated objectives