Dharmendra passes away: Son Sunny Deol Performs Last Rites, Many Stars Including Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan Arrive at the Crematorium
In a whirlwind of conflicting reports on social media and news channels, rumours spread like wildfire claiming that veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra had passed away at the age of 89. According to some posts, his son Sunny Deol performed his last rites, and big-name actors including Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were allegedly seen arriving at the cremation ground. But amid the emotional reactions and tributes, Dharmendra’s family has strongly denied the claims — and the truth appears far more nuanced and very much alive.
Chaos on Social Media: Death Reports Go Viral
It all began when multiple media outlets and social media users reported Dharmendra’s death, triggering an outpouring of grief across the nation. Posts claimed that he had died at his residence in Mumbai, and that his funeral was already underway — with Sunny Deol giving him mukhagni (the final ritual of lighting the pyre) while stars paid their respects. These reports instantly went viral, with fans and celebrities sharing condolences.
However, the reports quickly drew scrutiny. Some argued that the footage and images circulating online didn’t match typical coverage of a high-profile funeral. Others pointed out inconsistencies in the timeline and sources. As speculation mounted, netizens began questioning whether this was a cruel hoax or a terribly mistaken assumption.
Family Steps In: “He Is Stable, Not Gone”
Shortly after the rumours exploded, Dharmendra’s family responded forcefully. His daughter Esha Deol publicly denied the death reports, stating that her father was “stable and recovering.”
She urged both media and fans to stop spreading false news, reminding them that “there is nothing more painful than people mourning someone who is very much alive.”
His daughter’s statements were backed up by other family sources, who confirmed that Dharmendra had recently been discharged from Breach Candy Hospital and was continuing treatment at home. They emphasized that although he had undergone a health scare — having been admitted for shortness of breath — the situation was being handled quietly and with dignity.
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Media Credibility Questioned
The rapid spread of the death news has reignited a debate over media responsibility and fact-checking. Many have criticised outlets for prioritising speed over verification, leading to rumors being reported as fact. Veteran industry voices have echoed this sentiment, calling for more care in reporting sensitive personal matters — especially involving beloved public figures.
Critics argue that the rush to break sensational headlines has overshadowed basic journalistic ethics. In this case, inaccurate reporting not only caused emotional distress to Dharmendra’s family and fans but also blurred the line between fact and fiction in celebrity news coverage.
A Legacy Interrupted by Rumours
Dharmendra, often referred to as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” has had an illustrious career spanning decades, with iconic performances in films like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, and many others. At 89 years old, he remains a revered figure, and any news about his health or mortality is bound to attract widespread attention.
The confusion around his supposed death underscores how fragile public perception can be — especially when primed by viral content. Fans were quick to post tributes, celebrities offered condolences, and loss was mourned — even though, by all verified reports, Dharmendra continues to recover.
Moving Forward: Respect, Verification, and Privacy
As the dust settles, the key questions linger:
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Why did so many outlets jump to report his death without confirmation?
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Will there be a formal correction or apology for spreading misinformation?
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And most importantly, can the public and media promise more restraint going forward when dealing with deeply personal news?
