‘Extreme propaganda’: Ahsan Mohsin Ikram criticises misinformation spread by Indian media
“The Modi regime has mastered emotional engineering [...] crafted an alternate reality where India is the eternal victim," the actor wrote on Instagram.
The Bollywood rumour mill was at it again Monday morning, killing off one of India’s most celebrated actors, Dharmendra. However, the news was very much fake and prompted his family to step in to dismiss false reports circulating online.
The 88-year-old star is stable and recovering, daughter Esha Deol confirmed on Tuesday, urging media outlets and social media users to act responsibly. “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for your prayers for Papa’s speedy recovery,” she wrote.
The clarification came after Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and writer Javed Akhtar tweeted condolences, assuming Dharmendra had passed away. Akhtar wrote a lengthy tribute describing the actor as “a perfect combination of masculinity and gentleness” and said an era had ended. Singh called him a “versatile actor” whose contribution to Indian cinema would be remembered.
Dharmendra was hospitalised in October for a routine health check-up. His team had already stated that he was under observation and requested prayers for his recovery.
Following Esha’s statement, her mother, Hema Malini expressed her anger over the spread of false news. “What is happening is unforgivable. How can responsible channels spread false news about a person who is responding to treatment and is recovering? This is being extremely disrespectful and irresponsible. Please give due respect to the family and its need for privacy,” she wrote on X.
Sunny Deol’s team also issued a statement late Monday night, reiterating that Dharmendra was recovering and asking the public not to fuel misinformation. “Mr Dharmendra is stable and under observation. Further comments and updates will be shared as available. Kindly don’t indulge in spreading false rumours regarding his health. Request everyone to pray for his speedy recovery and respect the family’s right to privacy,” the statement shared by India Today read.
The Deol family’s united front has made the situation clear: Dharmendra is alive, recovering, and in need of privacy, not speculation.