The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) has formally approached Mumbai Police after a section of paparazzi and digital media allegedly crossed serious boundaries while veteran actor Dharmendra was unwell. The organisation wants strict action against those who, according to them, ignored basic ethics and intruded on the Deol family’s private space.

In a complaint addressed to the Senior Inspector of Juhu Police Station, IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit raised concerns about how certain photographers behaved outside Dharmendra’s home. The letter stated that these individuals “breached privacy” by entering the compound and “recording footage and images of his family members without consent,” later circulating them online. The association strongly criticised the behaviour, calling it inhuman and unethical.

Dharmendra, 89, was recently hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital for a minor illness and is now recovering at home. His health scare attracted heavy media presence outside the Deol residence, leading to growing public frustration with paparazzi conduct.

Earlier on the same day the complaint was filed, Sunny Deol confronted the photographers standing outside his house. Visibly emotional, he told them, “Aap logon ko sharam aayni chaiyeh… Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bacche hain….” He folded his hands, asking the media to show sensitivity during a difficult moment for the family.

The backlash didn’t stop there. Several well-known filmmakers voiced their disapproval of the situation. Karan Johar called the scene a “media circus” in his Instagram Story, saying the lack of courtesy and sensitivity was deeply upsetting. Director Madhur Bhandarkar also urged for responsible coverage, writing, “It’s high time for the media to respect the Deol family’s personal privacy. Let’s offer them the peaceful space they truly need, especially during challenging times.”

IFTDA also released an official statement denouncing false online rumours about Dharmendra’s death, emphasising the need for responsible reporting. Dharmendra is currently at home, surrounded by family and continuing his recovery while industry voices rally behind the call for media discipline.

Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour work schedule has created a major discussion on social media, especially after she reportedly exited from the films, Spirit and Kalki 2. Following these controversies, the actress has now spoken publicly about why she believes shorter workdays are important, particularly after becoming a mother.

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Deepika shared how motherhood has reshaped her priorities. Using very honest words, she said, “One hundred per cent. Every cliché is true. When mothers say, ‘You’ll understand when you become one,’ it’s true. I have so much more respect for my mother now.” She also added that although she had planned out how she would manage her career after having a child, things turned out differently in reality. As she explained, “You can plan how you think you’ll navigate work and motherhood, but the reality is very different.”

Deepika expressed that companies need to support women returning to work, saying, “I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That’s something I want to focus on.”

She also addressed the larger problem of long working hours in the film industry, remarking, “We’ve normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment.” According to her, a healthy work system is essential for better performance “Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you’re healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one.”

Deepika explained that her own office practices this rule: “In my own office, we work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday. We have maternity and paternity policies. We should normalise bringing children to work.”

Talking to CNBC-TV18 about workplace conditions and pay issues, she stated, “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me… I am someone who has always fought my battles silently.”

Reports earlier said that the makers of Spirit and Kalki 2 could not meet her demands for a fee hike and shorter hours, leading to her exit.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh Talks About Working With Deepika Padukone, Says She Keeps Him Grounded