Bollywood veteran Jackie Shroff, known for his candid nature and grounded persona, once again demonstrated his characteristic sensitivity when asked about the ongoing health concerns surrounding legendary actor Dharmendra. While Shroff is admired for speaking his mind, he is equally respected for the polite wisdom with which he communicates—even when addressing uncomfortable situations.
On Saturday, the actor was spotted at the Mumbai airport, where he encountered a swarm of paparazzi eager to capture his reaction. As cameras rushed toward him, Shroff paused to address the growing media frenzy outside Dharmendra’s Mumbai residence. His tone remained gentle but firm, urging photographers to show restraint and empathy.
“Tumlog bohot dhating karta hai… Kisi ke yaha aisa kuch hota hai toh tumlog nahi karna, bhidu… Samajh gaya na baba log?” he said, reminding paparazzi that they would want privacy too if such a situation occurred in their own families. He added that photographers often bring cameras uncomfortably close to people’s faces at sensitive times, a practice he discouraged strongly.
His remarks come amid widespread concerns for Dharmendra’s health, which has prompted an influx of media personnel outside the Deol family home. While fans across the country have been praying for the veteran star’s recovery, several Bollywood personalities have publicly appealed for privacy on behalf of the Deol family.
Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram Stories to express his dismay at the excessive media presence. “When basic courtesy and sensitivity leaves our hearts… PLEASE leave a family alone! They are already emotionally combating so much… This is not coverage, it’s DISRESPECT!” he wrote, calling the situation heartbreaking.
Actress Ameesha Patel echoed the sentiment, urging the media to “leave the Deol family alone at this time” and respect their emotional space. Similar appeals were also made by Madhur Bhandarkar, Nikitin Dheer, and Farah Khan Ali, all of whom stressed the importance of compassion during moments of personal crisis.
Even Dharmendra’s son, actor-politician Sunny Deol, stepped out of the family’s Juhu home to confront photographers about their conduct, emphasising the need for dignity and privacy during his father’s hospitalisation.
Amid the mounting concerns and public appeals, Jackie Shroff’s words stood out for their mix of affection and directness—capturing the industry’s collective plea for sensitivity. As the Deol family navigates this challenging time, many are hoping that the media will heed these calls and allow them the space they need.
