November 14, 2025 : Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has strongly criticized paparazzi culture after a recent incident where photographers tried to capture private moments during veteran actor Dharmendra’s recovery period. Taking to his personal blog, Bachchan expressed sharp disapproval, calling the behavior “disturbing and disgusting” and urging the media to respect personal boundaries, especially during sensitive health situations.
The Incident That Sparked the Reaction
Dharmendra, who has been recovering from an undisclosed health issue, recently returned home after a brief stay under medical care. Outside his residence, paparazzi stationed themselves for hours, attempting to capture photographs and videos. According to eyewitnesses, cameras were pushed close to the vehicle windows, and some photographers reportedly shouted questions despite the family requesting privacy.
Amitabh Bachchan, who maintains a close bond with Dharmendra for decades and considers him one of the strongest pillars of the Hindi film industry, was deeply upset by the intrusion. Witnessing the lack of sensitivity, he penned a strongly worded note voicing his anger.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Sharp Words
In a rare outburst, Bachchan wrote:
“There are moments in life that deserve dignity. When photographers disregard this and choose to invade personal spaces, it is disturbing and disgusting.”
He further emphasized the emotional toll such behavior can have on families trying to protect their loved ones during vulnerable times. His words ignited widespread discussion across social media, with fans agreeing that celebrity treatment in India frequently crosses ethical lines.
A Long-Standing Issue in Bollywood
The incident has reignited the debate around paparazzi ethics in India. While international industries like Hollywood have enforced strict guidelines over the years—especially near hospitals, schools, and private residences—India’s paparazzi culture remains largely unregulated.
Bollywood families have repeatedly voiced concerns:
- Saif Ali Khan has confronted photographers for following his children.
- Alia Bhatt called out media houses for posting photos of her taken without consent inside her home.
- Jaya Bachchan has often condemned paparazzi intrusion, defending artists’ right to privacy.
- Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have repeatedly requested that their daughter not be photographed.
The latest episode involving Dharmendra adds to a growing list of troubling incidents where celebrities find themselves trapped between public admiration and personal boundaries.
Dharmendra’s Health and Family Appeal
Sources close to the Deol family confirmed that Dharmendra is now recovering well and has been advised adequate rest. Sons Sunny and Bobby Deol have maintained privacy regarding his condition, sharing only brief updates to reassure fans. The family has urged the media to exercise responsibility and allow the senior actor to recuperate peacefully.
Amitabh Bachchan, who has shared iconic on-screen moments with Dharmendra in films like Sholay and has maintained deep friendship for 50 years, felt compelled to voice what many stars silently endure—the emotional fatigue caused by relentless media pursuit.
A Wake-Up Call for the Media Industry
Bachchan’s criticism has triggered discussions within media circles about setting boundaries:
- Should paparazzi be restricted outside hospitals and private residences?
- Should celebrities be allowed “no-photo zones” during sensitive moments?
- Should media organizations enforce internal ethical guidelines?
Several journalists responded by acknowledging the concerns, while others argued that the public’s interest drives demand for celebrity visuals. Media ethicists, however, stress that consent and dignity must always come before commercial pressure.
Fans and Industry React
Social media erupted with support for Amitabh Bachchan’s statement. Fans praised him for using his influence to address an important issue. Industry colleagues also echoed his views, noting that privacy becomes even more crucial for aging actors and their families.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai commented that paparazzi should learn to differentiate between promotional events and personal family matters. Actors like Raveena Tandon, Nimrat Kaur, and Dia Mirza have often campaigned for responsible photography and urged media houses to prioritize humanity over exclusivity.
The Larger Conversation About Celebrity Privacy
The debate extends beyond Bollywood. Experts point out that the rise of social media, fan culture, and digital entertainment journalism has created a complicated ecosystem:
- Paparazzi chase content for instant online clicks
- Fans expect real-time celebrity updates
- Celebrities struggle to maintain personal space
- Media houses compete for exclusives without clear boundaries
Amitabh Bachchan’s outburst may serve as a catalyst for long-overdue reforms, encouraging balanced, respectful coverage.
Moving Forward
Dharmendra continues to recover quietly at home, surrounded by family. Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan’s message serves as a reminder that fame should not come at the cost of dignity. The industry now watches closely to see whether this moment sparks a shift toward more ethical journalism or fades as another fleeting controversy.
Summary
Amitabh Bachchan criticizes paparazzi for invading Dharmendra’s privacy during his recovery, calling the behavior “disturbing and disgusting.” The incident reignites debates on media ethics and celebrity privacy in India.