Rahul Dev calls out paps for insensitive coverage of brother Mukul Dev's funeral
Rahul Dev said paparazzi reached Mukul Dev's funeral after he shared details on Instagram for relatives. The episode has sharpened debate over privacy and media sensitivity during moments of grief.
Actor Rahul Dev has criticised the conduct of paparazzi at the funeral of his brother, Mukul Dev, calling their presence intrusive and insensitive during a moment of personal grief.
'I didn't invite anyone'
In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, Rahul said photographers arrived at the crematorium after he shared funeral details on Instagram, which he intended only for close relatives. He said the situation created chaos at a time when he was trying to carry out his responsibilities.
Speaking about the incident, Rahul said he had not informed the media. “The media should be a little responsible. It’s not like I don’t have very good friends in the media, but I experienced it at Mukul’s funeral as well. I didn’t invite anyone. Where did they come from?” he said, adding that he had to reach the crematorium within a short time from the hospital.
He explained that the information was shared privately via social media for family members, but it led to an unexpected turnout of photographers. “That caused chaos. I’ve lost my brother, and you’re there to click photos. It’s very weird,” he said.
Calls for media sensitivity
Rahul stressed that the media needs to exercise greater sensitivity, especially during moments of grief. He said he confronted the photographers at the time and stood by his response.
“I didn’t feel any embarrassment. I did what I thought was right. The one covering it should feel embarrassed instead,” he said, adding that such behaviour reflects a lack of empathy.
He also recalled requesting photographers not to cover the funeral, but said they continued taking pictures. According to Rahul, he later came across videos of the funeral circulating online.
The incident adds to the ongoing conversation around paparazzi culture in India, particularly their presence outside hospitals and at funerals. Earlier, Sunny Deol had also expressed his displeasure at photographers outside the hospital when his father, Dharmendra, was admitted.
Mukul Dev died on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54, following a brief illness. Rahul had earlier spoken about his brother’s declining health, noting that it worsened after the loss of their parents.