RIP Sridevi: When media went berserk over conspiracy theories on celebrities' deaths

Sense and sensibility is surely lost in the quagmire of reportage on television today. TV channels, in order to increase viewership or TRPs, do not know where to draw the line while reporting news. They do not give a family space to breath after a tragic loss, and space to grieve the passing of a loved one. Veteran actor and India’s first female superstar Sridevi breathed her last on Saturday. And there has been mayhem since them. 

TV channels have been throwing speculations after speculation on her death. From turning her into into an alcoholic just because traces of alcohol were found in her blood to turning her husband into the villain because he was questioned by the police according to procedure, this is the newest low. All this with faint regard for her two teenage daughters who lost their mother, and a husband who lost his wife. Navdeep Suri, Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates had stated that the media should leave the fact checking to the investigators. But this is not the first time such fracas has erupted. When Sunanda Pushkar, wife of Shashi Tharoor was found dead a day after she had a spat with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar in her hotel rooms, TV channels went ballistic. Speculations of her dying of an overdose of sleeping pills, romantic liasions between Shashi Tharoor and Mehr Tarar, and so much more surfaced. Questions also came up on whether she was assaulted before death, and the list was endless. Her family in a joined statement wanted all speculations to stop, and were left deeply disturbed about all that was being said about her. Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa death too sparked the greatest controversy and conspiracy theories. Some people said that she was pushed while others believed she suffered from depression and that she was being poisoned. 

Sandalwood actress Meghana Gaonkar says, “I was heartbroken when I heard the news. I understand that the whole nation/world is curious about the legendary actor’s sudden death. But various channels have gone overboard. TV channels must find a fine line to respect the family’s mourning and still be able to report news with dignity. Instead of speculating on the basis of nothing, they need to wait till the facts are clear. For an actor of her calibre, the media needs to respect, be supportive to the family’s loss and glorify her immortal line of work.

She is a legend. Is this how we treat our legends?”
News channels must learn to keep in mind the emotion of the family as well as the audience. Psychologist Sindhu Vasanth B. says, “Whenever news channels come up with breaking news, they don’t verify facts in the race to break it first. When they portray such news without any facts, they are playing with emotions. When they talk about death or suicide, no thought it given to the impact of such conjecture. They play around with emotions and the ultimate truth is hidden.

People have the right to share their opinions to make their voice heard, but being insensitive to the feelings of family members and a lack of responsibility is unacceptable.