Mumbai: Veteran actor Jackie Shroff has expressed his disapproval of the paparazzi's coverage of Dharmendra's recent hospitalization, joining a chorus of voices within the film industry advocating for greater sensitivity and respect for the privacy of public figures. Dharmendra, the 89-year-old icon, was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing breathlessness. While he has since been discharged and is recovering at home, the media's relentless pursuit of information and images during his hospitalization has drawn criticism.
Shroff addressed the paparazzi at Mumbai airport, urging them to reconsider their approach to covering sensitive topics. In a video that has circulated widely on social media, Shroff can be heard saying, "Tumlog bohot dhating karta hai. Kisi ke yaha aisa kuch hota hai toh tumlog nahi karna bhidu. Samaj gaya na baba log? Apne ghar pe kabhi kuch hoga toh… samajh jaa yaar. Muh pe aake camera lete hai". This translates to, "You guys create a lot of trouble. If something like this happens to someone, you shouldn't do it, my friend. Got it, guys? If something ever happens at your own home... just understand, man. You come right up to people's faces with a camera".
Shroff, known for his affable relationship with the media, emphasized the need for compassion, particularly during times of hardship. He implored the photographers to reflect on how they would feel if their own families were subjected to such intense scrutiny.
Shroff's comments follow similar sentiments expressed by other Bollywood figures. Prior to Shroff's statement, Sunny Deol reportedly reprimanded photographers outside his Juhu residence following his father's discharge from the hospital. Celebrities including Karan Johar, Nikitin Dheer, Ameesha Patel, Farah Ali Khan, and Madhur Bhandarkar have also publicly requested the media to respect the Deol family's privacy during this time.
The backlash intensified after a video from inside Breach Candy Hospital surfaced on social media, showing Dharmendra in bed surrounded by his family. The clip, which showed Sunny and Bobby Deol alongside their mother, Prakash Kaur, sparked concerns about medical privacy and the ethics of celebrity coverage. Reportedly, a hospital employee was arrested for filming the actor and his family in the ICU.
Dharmendra was admitted to the hospital after complaining of breathlessness and was under observation for several days. False rumors of his death circulated online, prompting his family to issue clarifications and appeals for privacy. His wife, Hema Malini, condemned the "irresponsible" media coverage, calling it "unforgivable". The family confirmed that Dharmendra has been discharged and will continue his recovery at home. They have requested that the media and public refrain from further speculation and respect their privacy.
The incident has ignited a broader discussion about the boundaries of celebrity journalism and the importance of balancing the public's interest with an individual's right to privacy, especially during vulnerable moments. While fans and well-wishers gathered outside Dharmendra's home to express their support, the industry is largely united in its call for responsible and ethical media practices. On the professional front, Dharmendra is expected to appear next in the film Ikkis, featuring Agastya Nanda.
