Mumbai: According to reports, Bollywood’s veteran superstar Dharmendra has been on ventilator for the last few days.
Ever since the news of his health condition came to light, paparazzi have been deployed at his house and also at the hospital where the actor was admitted. He was discharged on 12 November and taken home for further treatment.
Earlier this week, on November 11, some media portals even announced his demise and reported on it in depth. Now Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA) President Ashok Pandit has filed a police complaint against the unverified paparazzi. Violation of privacy and decency in Dharmendra’s case.
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The complaint, addressed to Senior Police Inspector, Mr Sunil Jadhav, said, “Dear Sir, I, Hon’ble President of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA), Ashok Pandit, wish to lodge a formal complaint against some unverified and insincere paparazzi and online media operators who have crossed all limits of decency and morality in the recent coverage related to the illness of one of the most respected stalwarts of Indian cinema, Padma Bhushan, Shri Dharmendra ji.”
The complaint further said, “It has come to our notice that certain paparazzi and digital media accounts – particularly one handle operated by the Government of India – have violated the privacy of Shri Dharmendra Ji by entering the premises of his residence and recording footage and images without the consent of his family members. These visuals have been circulated publicly for the sake of sensationalism and profit, without any regard for legality, decency or the emotional distress caused to the family.”
It also reads, “This act is inhumane, immoral and a gross violation of the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This is not just a moral failing but also amounts to a criminal offense involving unauthorized trespass, invasion of privacy and defamation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.”
The complaint further read, “As the President of IFTDA, representing the collective voice of the film and television community, I urge your department to initiate strict action against those responsible for this shameful conduct. It is imperative that a strong precedent is set so that such violations are not repeated in future.” It also said, “Our film celebrities are not objects – they are human beings who deserve basic dignity and respect, especially in times of personal crisis. Continued harassment and intrusion by such elements not only harms individuals but also tarnishes the integrity of Indian media and journalism as a whole.”
In the complaint, Ashok Pandit requested the police to investigate the matter. “We request you to immediately investigate the matter, identify the culprits, and take appropriate legal action to protect the privacy and safety of Mr. Dharmendra ji and his family, and by extension, protect the rights of all artistes of the Indian film fraternity. Thank you very much, Honorable President of the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (Ashoka Pandit).”
The complaint letter was shared by IFTDA on its social media account, with the caption, “IFTDA strongly condemns the abusive and unethical conduct of some journalists in their intrusive reporting about the health of Shri Dharmendra Ji. Their reckless behavior is unacceptable and inhumane. A formal police complaint has been filed, and we demand strict action to ensure that such indecency is never repeated.”
On November 12, Dharmendra’s daughter and actress Esha Deol finally issued a statement to the paparazzi in which she clarified the exact health condition of her father, putting an end to the rumors of his death. Esha wrote on social media, “It seems the media is in overdrive and spreading fake news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for praying for papa’s speedy recovery. Esha Deol. (sic)”
On the morning of November 13, Dharmendra’s elder son Sunny Deol was seen talking to the paparazzi deployed at his house to update him about his father’s health update. With folded hands, Sunny asked the paparazzi to be sensitive and not create any chaos and ruckus.
He asked them to behave like humans and not be insensitive, as the Deol family was going through a tough time.