Renowned filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has expressed strong disapproval of the media's overwhelming presence outside veteran actor Dharmendra's residence, calling for greater sensitivity and respect toward the Deol family's privacy. This reaction came after numerous journalists and photographers gathered at the legendary actor's Juhu home following his recent hospitalization and subsequent discharge.
Filmmaker's Social Media Appeal
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bhandarkar delivered a powerful message about the need for media restraint. The acclaimed director emphasized that it was crucial for media professionals to respect the Deol family's personal space, particularly during challenging health circumstances. He explicitly stated, "It's high time for the media to respect the Deol family's personal privacy. Let's offer them the peaceful space they truly need, especially during challenging times."
Family Confrontation and Industry Support
The situation escalated when Sunny Deol confronted the media personnel stationed outside their family home, visibly frustrated by the constant intrusion. Earlier, a private video from inside Dharmendra's residence had surfaced online, showing the 89-year-old actor resting on a bed surrounded by family members, including his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. The footage also captured Dharmendra's first wife, Prakash Kaur, in a distressed state, which quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Bhandarkar found support from prominent industry figures who shared his concerns about media overreach. Karan Johar and Ameesha Patel also voiced their frustration with the invasive media behavior during this sensitive period, highlighting a growing concern within Bollywood about celebrity privacy boundaries.
False Reports and Health Update
This incident follows earlier controversy when on November 11, certain media outlets incorrectly reported Dharmendra's death, prompting strong condemnation from family members. Hema Malini and her daughter Esha Deol publicly denounced these false reports, adding to the family's distress during an already difficult time.
Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital more than a week ago due to breathing difficulties and remained under medical supervision until his discharge on Wednesday. The actor safely returned home, though the family continues to request privacy during his recovery.
Despite health challenges, the veteran actor continues his professional commitments and will next appear in Sriram Raghavan's upcoming film 'Ikkis', demonstrating his enduring dedication to Indian cinema.
