‘Circus For A Living Legend’: After Sunny Deol, Karan Johar And Ameesha Patel Slam Paparazzi For Crossing Line Amid Dharmendra’s Health Scare

Dharmendra News: Filmmaker Karan Johar has criticised sections of the media and paparazzi for their insensitive behaviour amid veteran actor Dharmendra’s recent health concerns. Sunny Deol and actress Ameesha Patel also slammed media for spreading fake news about veteran actor Dharmendra. Dharmendra was recently discharged from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after being admitted for breathlessness. 

Taking to Instagram, Karan Johar expressed disappointment over what he described as a “media circus” surrounding the legendary star, urging everyone to show compassion and respect. Karan Johar shared a powerful note on Instagram, writing, “When basic courtesy and sensitivity leave our hearts and our actions, we know we are a doomed race. PLEASE leave a family alone! They are already emotionally combatting so much. It’s heartbreaking to see a paparazzi and media circus for a living legend who has contributed so massively to our cinema. This is not coverage it’s DISRESPECT.”

Karan Johar's Instagram Story

Meanwhile, the filmmaker’s reaction came hours after Dharmendra’s son, Sunny Deol, publicly lost his cool at paparazzi stationed outside their Mumbai residence. His outburst came after false reports about Dharmendra’s health including rumours of his death began circulating online. A visibly upset Sunny scolded them for invading the family’s privacy, saying, “Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bacche hain… Sharam nahi aati?” Additionally, actress Ameesha Patel also took to social media to express her disappointment, writing, “I strongly believe the media needs to leave the Deol family alone at this time and respect their privacy.”

Ameesha Patel's Instagram Story

Dharmendra’s Work Front

Dharmendra, 89, remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema. He was last seen in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), where his performance earned widespread love from audiences. The veteran actor will next be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Ikkis, slated for release in December 2025.