Bollywood Star Arjun Bijlani Slams Paparazzi for “Disgusting” Frenzy Following Dharmendra’s Death

The passing of legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra at the age of 89 has triggered not only national grief but also a heated debate over media ethics, after celebrities condemned the paparazzi for their “insensitive” and “intrusive” coverage of the Deol family’s mourning period.

Actor Arjun Bijlani has publicly criticized the conduct of photographers, particularly at funerals, suggesting that treating such somber occasions like a social gathering is deeply inappropriate. In an interview, Bijlani expressed discomfort with the constant demand for pictures and the pervasive presence of uninvited media at moments of private grief. He called for industry-wide consensus on establishing designated areas for photographers to maintain dignity and privacy.

Bijlani’s comments echoed earlier, sharper reactions from other major industry figures who witnessed the relentless pursuit of the Deol family. Filmmaker Karan Johar took to social media to call the situation a “media circus” during Dharmendra’s serious health crisis, urging for compassion and respect during the family’s “immense emotional turmoil.”

The veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan also weighed in, posting a cryptic but powerful message on X and his personal blog. He expressed dismay that “no ethics [are] left,” labeling the continuous intrusion as “disturbing” and “disgusting.” Bachchan’s reaction followed the distressing leak of a video taken inside Dharmendra’s hospital room, exposing the family during a highly vulnerable moment.

The pressure on the Deol family culminated in an emotional outburst from Sunny Deol, who was filmed outside his home confronting the paparazzi with folded hands. “Aap logon ko sharam aayni chaiyeh,” he pleaded, calling for decency and respect from the media present.

Dharmendra died on November 24 after a prolonged illness, leading to an outpouring of grief, but also prompting a wider conversation in the film fraternity about the boundaries of media coverage during personal tragedy.