Mumbai | November 11, 2025, 10:10 AM IST — Veteran actor and parliamentarian Hema Malini has strongly criticized sections of the Indian media for spreading unverified health rumors about a public figure, believed to be her husband Dharmendra, calling it a “deeply insensitive act.”
Posting from her verified handle @dreamgirlhema, Hema Malini urged journalists to practice compassion and integrity when reporting on personal health matters.
“Media must show compassion and responsibility before spreading news about someone’s health. Privacy matters — especially when a person is recovering,” she wrote.
Her statement comes after a wave of false reports about a veteran actor’s health triggered panic across social media platforms and even reached TV tickers before being debunked.
The actor’s remarks have now become a flashpoint for discussions on media accountability, with many public figures, journalists, and citizens echoing her sentiment about ethical reporting in the digital age.
💬 Public Reactions on X
Within hours of her post, Hema Malini’s message trended nationwide under hashtags like #HemaMalini, #MediaEthics, and #ResponsibleJournalism.
Here’s a snapshot of how netizens reacted:
@filmcriticraj: “Hema Malini is right — health updates should come from families, not gossip portals chasing clicks.”
@anushkasharmafan: “Media needs to slow down. Being first isn’t the same as being right.”
@bollywoodbeat: “The ‘breaking news’ culture is breaking trust. Time for change.”
@truthmatters24: “Kudos to Hema ji for standing up. Privacy in illness is not optional — it’s basic decency.”
Many users praised her for speaking up at a time when clickbait journalism and misinformation have eroded public confidence in mainstream outlets.
🕊️ A Call for Media Reform
Industry experts and senior journalists have described Hema Malini’s statement as a “timely reminder” of the need for stronger newsroom ethics policies and fact-verification protocols before publishing sensitive health news.
Her comments have since inspired calls for the Press Council of India and digital media platforms to revisit guidelines on personal privacy — especially in celebrity coverage.
As her post continues to trend, it’s clear that Hema Malini’s words have sparked more than outrage — they’ve reignited a conversation about restoring dignity and trust in Indian journalism.
