Mumbai— Designer Farah Khan Ali has spoken out strongly against what she described as a growing lack of empathy in media and public discourse, criticizing the intrusive and insensitive coverage surrounding veteran actor Dharmendra’s health and the recent cremation of her mother, Zarine Khan.
Zarine Khan, wife of Bollywood veteran Sanjay Khan, passed away on November 7. In the days following her death, Farah revealed that instead of condolences, some individuals questioned the family’s decision to cremate Zarine — a deeply personal matter.
Taking to social media, Farah wrote: “My mother passed away 6 days ago and there were some here who were more interested in why she chose to be cremated instead of giving condolences. Dharm Uncle is in hospital and a video of his personal family goes viral.”
She continued, “Are we as a nation so insensitive to people? Don’t public figures also have families that have feelings? What happened to humanity? Why does every imbecile out here have an opinion on how others should lead their lives? Tragedy strikes all… When it’s your turn… there will be others like you hurting you like you hurt us.”
Her remarks come as Dharmendra’s hospitalisation sparked widespread confusion, with several media outlets prematurely announcing his demise and circulating unverified videos online.
Dharmendra’s daughter, actress Esha Deol, was forced to issue a public statement clarifying his condition: “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable & recovering… We request everyone to give our family privacy.”
His son, actor Sunny Deol, also appealed for restraint: “Mr. Dharmendra is stable and under observation… Kindly don’t indulge in spreading false rumours… Please respect the family’s right to privacy.”
On the morning of November 13, Sunny spoke directly to paparazzi stationed outside their residence, folding his hands as he asked photographers to behave sensitively during an emotionally challenging time.
Dharmendra, who was reportedly placed on a ventilator due to breathing difficulties, remains under observation.
Farah’s comments have ignited broader conversation about the ethics of media behaviour during personal crises, reinforcing long-standing concerns about the erosion of privacy for public figures and their families. (Source: IANS)
