Legendary actress Sridevi‘s death has sent shockwaves around the country. The superstar died due to accidental drowning, as per the autopsy report in Dubai. It was earlier reported that the actress passed away because of a heart attack, these different versions of the cause of her death have made everyone, from prime time news channels to family WhatsApp groups speculate about her demise. From conspiracy theories to judgments being cast on her husband, Sridevi’s death has made us all see the ugly side of journalism where channels are ready to do anything for TRPs.
Watch the #sridevideath descend in our media into ridiculous whispers of “she drank wine”- a morality judgment that will be just the first of many double standards to dissect a woman who has barely been gone a day. Makes me apoplectic
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 26, 2018
And not for the first time, Indian news channels are now forensic experts, doctors and sleuths based on zero hard info . We don’t let people live in peace, we won’t let them die either! #Sridevi
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 26, 2018
In an unprecedented turn of events – its an English news channel that’s taken the cake from their more brazen Hindi counterparts!
While channels like @aajtak made anchors host a show from inside a bathroom – @CNNnews18 went ahead put #Sridevi inside a tub….#WellPlayedChaps pic.twitter.com/F8ConFTnUX— Akash Banerjee (@akashbanerjee) February 26, 2018
Such crass, crap and trash on news channels on #Sridevi‘s death. Not an iota of shame or soul searching? pic.twitter.com/e2MNV20EM9
— Suresh Mathew (@Suresh_Mathew_) February 26, 2018
Navdeep Suri, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE has requested restrain from the Indian media as details of the case are still coming out.
The media interest in untimely demise of #Sridevi is understandable. But the frenzy of speculation does not help. Imp to note that:
1. We are working with local authorities to ensure that mortal remains can be sent to India at the earliest. We are on the job.
1/2— IndAmbUAE (@navdeepsuri) February 26, 2018
2. We are in regular contact with the family of #Sridevi and other well- wishers. We share their pain.
3. Our experience in similar cases tells us that it does take 2-3 days to complete processes
4. We leave it to the experts to determine cause of demise
Let’s be responsible— IndAmbUAE (@navdeepsuri) February 26, 2018
Let’s please not make this a media trial. We all know those never end well.