IFTDA files complaint over paparazzi violating Dharmendra's privacy
What's the story
The Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) has lodged a police complaint against several paparazzi and digital media accounts, accusing them of "inhuman" and "unethical" coverage of veteran actor Dharmendra's recent health condition. IFTDA President, Ashoke Pandit, in a letter addressed to the Senior Inspector of Juhu Police Station, said, "Some paparazzi and digital media accounts breached privacy by entering the premises of the veteran actor's residence and recorded footage and images of his family members without consent."
Details
'Sensationalism and profit, without any concern for legality'
Pandit added, "These visuals have been circulated publicly for sensationalism and profit, without any concern for legality, decency, or emotional distress caused to the family." He further stated that these actions were a "gross violation of the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India." "The behavior amounts to criminal offenses involving unauthorized trespass, invasion of privacy, and defamation under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act."
Statement
'Our film personalities are not commodities, they are human beings'
Pandit further said, "Our film personalities are not commodities, they are human beings who deserve basic dignity and respect, especially during times of personal distress." "The continued harassment and intrusion by such elements not only harms individuals but also tarnishes the integrity of Indian media and journalism as a whole." The complaint has been shared on IFTDA's official social media accounts. The caption read, "We demand strict action to ensure such indecency is never repeated."
Film fraternity's outrage
Complaint comes amid rising outrage
The complaint comes amid growing outrage within the film fraternity over the media's conduct during Dharmendra's hospitalization. The 89-year-old actor was recently discharged from Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after a brief illness. Earlier in the week, a visibly emotional Sunny Deol lost his temper at photographers gathered outside the family's residence following his father's return from the hospital. Several film personalities, like Karan Johar, have also criticized the insensitive coverage, calling for greater empathy and respect for privacy.