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IFTDA Files Police Complaint Against Paparazzi Over Dharmendra’s Privacy Breach
The Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) has lodged a formal police complaint against certain paparazzi and digital media accounts for allegedly invading the privacy of veteran actor Dharmendra during his recent health emergency. The issue escalated after false reports of Dharmendra’s death circulated online, causing distress among fans and his family.
Dharmendra, who was reportedly on ventilator support for the past few days, was discharged from the hospital on November 12 and taken home for further treatment. However, even after his discharge, paparazzi reportedly stationed themselves outside his residence and the hospital, recording videos and taking photographs without consent.
IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit filed a complaint with the Senior Inspector of Police, alleging that the paparazzi crossed all limits of “decency and ethics.” The complaint states that some media personnel illegally entered Dharmendra’s residential premises and filmed his family members to generate sensational content. IFTDA called the act “inhuman, unethical and a gross violation of privacy,” punishable under Indian law including trespass, defamation, and violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.
The association urged the police to identify the culprits and take strict action to set a precedent against such behaviour in the future. “Our film personalities are not commodities,” the complaint stated. “They deserve dignity, especially during moments of personal distress.”
Following viral rumours, Dharmendra’s daughter Esha Deol issued an official statement confirming that her father is stable and recovering. She criticised the media for spreading false information and requested privacy for the family.
On November 13, Sunny Deol was seen appealing to the paparazzi outside his home. With folded hands, he urged them to maintain sensitivity and avoid creating chaos while the family navigates a difficult time.
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