In a shocking breach of medical privacy, a hospital employee from Mumbai's prestigious Breach Candy hospital has been arrested for leaking a private video of veteran actor Dharmendra and his family during a vulnerable health crisis. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from Bollywood celebrities and raised serious questions about patient privacy in healthcare facilities.
The Privacy Breach and Arrest
The controversy unfolded when private moments of the Deol family were captured and shared across social media platforms while Dharmendra was undergoing treatment at Breach Candy hospital. The 88-year-old actor had been admitted to the hospital for nearly ten days after what was initially reported as routine health check-ups.
According to reports from Hindustan Times, the hospital employee responsible for filming and sharing the private video has now been arrested. While the exact identity and position of the employee haven't been disclosed, the arrest signals a strong response to what many are calling a gross violation of medical ethics and personal privacy.
Celebrity Backlash Against Paparazzi Culture
The incident has triggered strong reactions from across the film industry, with several celebrities speaking out against the invasive behavior of paparazzi and those exploiting personal tragedies for content.
Sunny Deol, Dharmendra's son, confronted photographers stationed outside their family home on November 13. In an emotional outburst, he questioned their humanity, asking, "Aap ke ghar mein maa-baap hai, bachche hai. Sharam nahi aati? (Don't you have mothers and fathers at home? Don't you feel any shame?)"
Actor Nikitin Dheer, who recently lost his father, veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, shared a powerful message on his Instagram Stories comparing the paparazzi to "vultures." He wrote, "I lost a piece of my heart recently and witnessed first-hand how despicable the so-called paparazzi can be. It doesn't feel like you're talking to fellow human beings, it feels like you're encircled by vultures."
Dheer emphasized the declining sensitivity in society, stating, "As a society, is likes and views all that's left of us? Such a demise of humanity. Aise samay logon ka tamasha mat banao (Don't make a spectacle of people at such times)."
Wider Industry Condemnation
Designer Farah Khan Ali, who recently lost her mother Zarine Khan, also joined the chorus of condemnation. She revealed her own experience with insensitivity during her personal tragedy, sharing, "My mother passed away 6 days ago, and there were some here who were more interested in why she chose to be cremated instead of giving condolences."
She directly addressed the Dharmendra situation, writing, "Dharm Uncle is in hospital and a video of his personal family goes viral. Are we as a nation so insensitive to people? Don't public figures also have families that have feelings? What happened to humanity?"
Dharmendra's Health Status and Family Response
Veteran actor Dharmendra was discharged from Breach Candy hospital on November 12 and is currently recovering at home. During his hospital stay, he received visits from several Bollywood luminaries including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Govinda on November 10.
Hema Malini, in a conversation with Rediff, provided a health update on Thursday, revealing the emotional toll the situation has taken on the family. She shared, "It has not been an easy time for me. Dharamji's health is a matter of great concern for us. His children are sleepless. I can't afford to be weak, too many responsibilities."
The actress expressed relief about Dharmendra being home, stating, "We are relieved he is out of hospital. He needs to be among the people he loves. Baki toh sab upar wale ke haath mein hai (Everything else is in the hands of the Almighty). Please pray for us."
The incident has reignited the ongoing debate about celebrity privacy rights in India and the ethical boundaries of media coverage, particularly during personal health crises and family tragedies.
