Amitabh Bachchan hits out at 'disturbing, disgusting' paparazzi conduct as Dharmendra’s health sparks frenzy

Amitabh Bachchan has sparked a fresh national conversation around media ethics after posting a sharp, cryptic note in the wake of intrusive and insensitive coverage surrounding the hospitalisation of his Sholay co-star and long-time friend, Dharmendra.

Amitabh Bachchan pens a sharp note surrounding the insensitivity of Dharmendra's hospitalisation

Big B remarks came at a time when leaked footage from the veteran actor’s hospital room circulated widely on social media, false death rumours spread unchecked, and paparazzi converged outside the Deol residence, prompting widespread outrage from the film fraternity and the public.

In a scathing post shared on his personal blog on Friday, Bachchan wrote: “No ethics no sense of responsibility just an avenue of personal gain, without any consideration of the moment. Disturbing and disgusting [sic].”

Without explicitly naming any individual or organisation, his words appeared unmistakably connected to the frenzy engulfing the Deol family this week. A few hours later, he reinforced his criticism on X (formerly Twitter), stating bluntly: “T 5564 – no ethics .. no ethics at all [sic].”

The 83-year-old actor’s intervention added considerable weight to a growing chorus of voices condemning the state of paparazzi and digital media conduct in India, particularly in moments of medical emergency and emotional distress.

FIR filed against certain paps

The Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has lodged a formal police complaint against certain paparazzi and online media platforms for what it called "inhuman" and "unethical" behavior while covering veteran actor Dharmendra's recent health condition.

In a letter addressed to the Senior Inspector of Juhu Police Station, IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit said that some paparazzi and online accounts "breached privacy" by entering the premises of the veteran actor's residence and "recording footage and images of his family members without consent." These visuals were later circulated online.

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.

Health scare, false rumours and an intrusive camera

Dharmendra, 89, had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital last week for routine tests and observation. His brief stay quickly spiralled into a media spectacle when rumours of his death circulated online on Tuesday, prompting hurried — and eventually unnecessary — outpourings of condolence.

His family, including daughter Esha Deol and wife Hema Malini, swiftly issued a statement condemning the spread of misinformation and confirming that he was stable and responding well to treatment.

However, the situation escalated further when a private video allegedly recorded inside the hospital — showing Dharmendra lying on a bed with tubes attached while family members stood around — was leaked online. The footage appeared to be taken without consent. According to reports, the hospital employee who secretly filmed the video has since been arrested, though the investigation is ongoing.

The leak triggered fierce criticism of the media ecosystem and raised questions about hospital privacy protocols. Many netizens described it as “deeply shameful,” while public figures accused certain digital platforms of amplifying “grief voyeurism” for clicks.

The Deol family left frustrated

By Wednesday, Dharmendra was discharged and moved home for continued treatment. But the paparazzi presence only intensified as camera crews stationed themselves outside both the hospital and the Deol family's Juhu residence, often creating crowds and noise despite repeated pleas for privacy.

On Thursday, a visibly distressed Sunny Deol confronted photographers outside his home. Folding his hands in frustration, he said: “Aap logon ko sharam aani chahiye… Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bacche hain.” His remarks, captured on video, highlighted the emotional strain the family has been under.

The actor's outburst was supported by several industry peers. Filmmaker Karan Johar criticised the paparazzi culture and actor Ranvir Shorey shared the sentiment. Many others quietly echoed the sentiment.

Bachchan’s public rebuke — though veiled — has reopened an ongoing debate about India’s increasingly intrusive media climate. His comments carry additional moral weight given his decades-long advocacy for dignified reporting and his closeness to Dharmendra, with whom he created cinematic history in Sholay.