Mumbai – Bollywood legend Dharmendra has been on a ventilator for several days, sparking a media fire‑storm and a wave of privacy concerns. The actor, who was discharged from the hospital on 12 November, was moved home for further treatment after a brief stay in intensive care.
Since the first reports of his condition appeared, paparazzi have lined up outside both his residence and the hospital. The relentless press coverage even caused a rash of death rumours on 11 November, with several news portals detailing his “reportedly fatal” condition before the story was proven false.
In response, the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) President Ashoke Pandit lodged a formal police complaint on the 12th. The complaint, addressed to Senior Inspector Sunil Jadhav, accuses “unverified paparazzi and digital media handlers” of trespassing into Dharmendra’s home, filming his family without permission, and spreading the footage online for sensationalist profit.
Pandit warned that such conduct violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and, under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, is a criminal offence. “Film personalities are human beings who deserve dignity and respect, especially in times of distress,” he wrote. The IFTDA demanded swift legal action to set a precedent against future violations.
The complaint was shared on IFTDA’s social media with the caption: “IFTDA strongly condemns the disgraceful and unethical conduct of certain paparazzi in their intrusive reporting of Shri Dharmendra Ji’s health. A formal police complaint has been filed and we demand strict action to ensure such indecency is never repeated.”
On 12 November, Dharmendra’s daughter and actress Esha Deol released a statement on social media, clearing up the misinformation. She wrote, “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable & recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for papa’s speedy recovery.”
The next morning, 13 November, Dharmendra’s eldest son Sunny Deol appeared outside their home to discuss his father’s health. With folded hands, Sunny urged the press to act respectfully and not create chaos, reminding reporters that the Deol family is going through a tough time.
The situation highlights the growing tension between Bollywood stars, who often face intense media scrutiny, and the press, which must balance public interest with personal privacy. As the legal process unfolds, the industry watches closely to see how the case shapes future media practices in Indian cinema. – rd
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