The Bollywood film industry has united in condemnation against what they're calling a "disrespectful paparazzi circus" surrounding veteran actor Dharmendra's recent health scare. Following Sunny Deol's emotional outburst, prominent filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Ameesha Patel have added their voices to the growing criticism of media intrusion during the family's private medical crisis.
Celebrities Speak Out Against Media Invasion
Karan Johar expressed his frustration through a strongly-worded Instagram Story, where he questioned the basic humanity of those invading the Deol family's privacy. "When basic courtesy and sensitivity leaves our hearts and our actions we know we are a doomed race," Johar wrote, directly addressing the media frenzy.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who recently worked with Dharmendra in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, didn't mince words in his criticism. He emphasized the emotional toll on the family, writing: "PLEASE leave a family alone!!!! They are already emotionally combatting so much…. Its heartbreaking to see a paparazzi and media circus for a living legend who has contributed so massively to our cinema… this is not coverage it's DISRESPECT."
Industry Support Grows for Deol Family
Actress Ameesha Patel echoed similar sentiments on her social media platforms, calling for sensitivity and respect during this challenging time. "I strongly believe the media needs to leave the Deol family alone at this time and respect their privacy," Patel stated, accompanying her message with folded hand emojis to emphasize her respectful request.
The support from industry colleagues comes after Sunny Deol's visible frustration with photographers camped outside his family home. In an emotional confrontation captured on video, the Gadar actor folded his hands and told paparazzi: "Aap logon ko sharam aayni chaiyeh… Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bacche hain… Sharam nahi aati" (You guys should be ashamed of yourself. You guys also have parents, have kids… Still are making videos like idiots… You should be ashamed of yourself).
Dharmendra's Health Situation and Recovery
The controversy erupted after the 89-year-old legendary actor was admitted to the hospital on October 31 following complaints of breathlessness. After receiving medical treatment, Dharmendra was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, with Sunny Deol's team issuing an official statement about his ongoing recovery.
The statement clarified that while the veteran actor's treatment would continue at home, the family specifically requested privacy during this period. This request came amid widespread misinformation being circulated by various media publications about the Sholay actor's health condition.
On the professional front, Dharmendra continues to maintain an active career in Indian cinema. After his recent appearance in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, the actor is set to feature in Sriram Raghavan's upcoming film Ikkis, scheduled for theatrical release in December.
The united stand by Bollywood personalities highlights the ongoing tension between celebrity privacy and media coverage in India's entertainment industry, particularly during sensitive personal circumstances involving veteran artists who have dedicated their lives to Indian cinema.
