14 November,2025 11:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dharmendra
Bollywood actor Dharmendra, according to reports, has been on a ventilator for the past few days. Ever since news of his health condition came out, paparazzi have been stationed both at his house and at the hospital where the actor was admitted. Earlier this week, a few media portals even announced his demise. Now, Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) President Ashoke Pandit has filed a police complaint against unverified paparazzi for breaching privacy in the case of Dharmendra.
The complaint, addressed to Mr. Sunil Jadhav, the Senior Inspector of Police, read: "Dear Sir, I, Ashoke Pandit, Hon. President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), wish to lodge a formal complaint against certain unverified and scrupulous paparazzi and online media handlers who have crossed all limits of decency and ethics in the recent coverage related to the illness of Padma Bhushan, Shri Dharmendra Ji, one of the most respected legends of Indian cinema."
The complaint further stated: "It has come to our attention that certain paparazzi and digital media accounts - particularly one handle - have breached privacy by entering the premises of Shri Dharmendra Ji's residence and recording footage and images of his family members without consent. These visuals have been circulated publicly for sensationalism and profit, without any concern for legality, decency, or the emotional distress caused to the family."
It also read: "This act is inhuman, unethical, and a gross violation of the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It is not merely a moral failure but a criminal offence involving unauthorised trespass, invasion of privacy, and defamation under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act."
IFTDA also urged the police to take strict legal action against those responsible and demanded that a strong example be set to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Sholay actor was reported to be on life support after he was hospitalized. However, his family stated that he is responding to treatment and urged everyone to stop spreading false news. He was discharged on 12 November and is receiving treatment at home.
Sunny Deol had lost his temper with photographers who were stationed outside his home following his father's hospital discharge. The visibly emotional actor told them, "Aap logon ko sharam aani chahiye. Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bacche hain," he said, folding his hands in frustration.
Several personalities from the film industry also spoke out against the constant media attention surrounding the veteran actor.
