Farah Khan Ali, Nikitin Dheer slam paparazzi’s insensitivity

Bollywood personalities Farah Khan Ali and Nikitin Dheer have strongly criticised paparazzi for their insensitive and intrusive coverage during moments of grief and vulnerability involving veteran actors Dharmendra, Zarine Khan, and Jeetendra.

Their statements—shared on social media—have triggered a fresh debate about compassion, ethics, and the boundaries of celebrity reporting.

Nikitin Dheer Calls Paparazzi Behaviour “Vulture-Like”

Nikitin Dheer, who recently lost his father, actor Pankaj Dheer, said he was shocked at how the paparazzi operated during a deeply personal time.

He said:

“I lost a piece of my heart recently and witnessed first-hand how despicable the so-called paparazzi can be. It doesn’t feel like you’re talking to fellow human beings, it feels like you’re encircled by vultures.”

Nikitin criticised the way a video of Jeetendra, taken when he was visibly vulnerable, was circulated online only for engagement and views.

He added:

“Now again, the way they are behaving when Shri Dharmendra is unwell, it's just sad. As a society, are likes and views all that’s left of us? Aise samay logon ka tamasha mat banao (Don’t make a spectacle of people at such times).”

He urged people to understand the emotional turmoil of families facing illness or loss, even if his words “won’t make any difference.”

Farah Khan Ali Questions Loss of Humanity

Farah Khan Ali shared a heartfelt note describing how people were more interested in questioning her mother, Zarine Khan’s cremation, than offering condolences.

“My mother passed away 6 days ago, and some were more interested in why she chose to be cremated instead of giving condolences. Dharm Uncle is in the hospital, and a video of his personal family goes viral.”

Farah questioned why public figures are denied empathy:

“Are we as a nation so insensitive? Don’t public figures also have families that have feelings? What happened to humanity?”

She warned those who judge others that everyone eventually faces tragedy:

“When it’s your turn, and trust me, it will be, there will be others hurting you the way you hurt us.”

• Zarine Khan, the wife of actor Sanjay Khan, passed away on November 7 at age 81.

• She is survived by her husband, daughters Sussanne, Farah, Simone Arora, and son Zayed.

• Dharmendra was recently admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to ill health and was discharged on Wednesday after treatment.

• During Zarine Khan’s prayer meet, actor Jeetendra accidentally slipped, creating yet another moment that was filmed and widely circulated.

The statements by Farah Khan Ali and Nikitin Dheer highlight increasing concerns over the lack of boundaries in paparazzi culture. Social media users have echoed their sentiments, demanding more sensitivity and respect when celebrities face personal crises.