Sridevi's death: Vidya Balan, Amitabh Bachchan, other celebs slam TV media for sensational reporting

As the nation is grieved following the death of veteran actor Sridevi, the 'sensational' reporting and conspiracy theories by the media regarding the cause of her death has sparked a wave of criticism on social media. In a recent development, the forensic report of the 54-year-old Indian actress revealed that she had died of accidental drowning in her hotel room's bathtub, after suffering a dizzying spell. Traces of alcohol were also reportedly found in the actor's body.

TV media's frantic reporting over Sridevi's death has not only angered her fans but Bollywood celebrities too, who have called the coverage "graceless" and "insensitive". Celebrities such as Vidya Balan, Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar criticised the TV channels for suggesting various conspiracy theories on the cause of her death.

Farhan posted a cryptic tweet where he wrote, "There's no bottom in the barrel of the graceless." 

There’s no bottom in the barrel of the graceless.

— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) February 26, 2018

Vidya tweeted a poster of Sridevi from her film Sadma and wrote, "May they let you rest in peace...." 

May they let you rest in peace.... pic.twitter.com/stoWljWkbf

— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) February 26, 2018

"Such a shame that whole country is silently watching their superstar Sridevi being murdered live by media," wrote a user while another user said media should stop using Sridevi's death for entertainment. "I've always felt this and the way the Indian Media is reacting to one of Indian Cinema legends death is further proof that life has no value in India. Sridevi didn't die to entertain you..." 

Veteran actress Hema Malini also tweeted: 

The whole film industry is trying to come to terms with this tragedy. We have lost a wonderful member whose life has been dedicated to the entertainment field for so many decades. It is only right that we be allowed to grieve in peace.

— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) February 27, 2018

Amitabh Bachchan wrote, "Get back to love .. it is the only sustainable !!" 

T 2627 - Get back to love .. it is the only sustainable !!

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) February 26, 2018

Fashion designer Masaba Mantena appealed people to switch off their television. "Do yourselves & your family a favour... put that TV off, I am amazed that news channels are stooping to this level & people think it's ok to come on a panel & discuss this! There are two very young girls who lost their mom, please please stop this," she said.

Do yourselves & your family a favour .. put that TV off,I am amazed that news channels are stooping to this level & ppl think it’s ok to come on a panel & discuss this!there are two very young girls who lost their mom,pls pls stop this

— Masaba Mantena (@MasabaG) February 26, 2018

Sonu Sood wrote, "I wonder after doing such reporting about a legend who lost her life..can these people sleep in peace? Ashamed to live in times where we have to see such a standard of reporting on reputed channels. Shame on you... let someone rest in peace." 

These same channels used to run just to get a glimpse or a small byte from her.. n now they come up with such reporting! Better retire guys. U can’t go more disgraceful ur reporting is the biggest SADMA to ur viewers. #gorestinpeace

— sonu sood (@SonuSood) February 26, 2018

Actor Rohit Roy, tweeted, "It is very very sad the way certain news channels are treating the passing of a lady, a daughter, a wife and most importantly, a mother of 2 young girls.. agreed, she was an actor and the people want to know details, but this? Sridevi ji sorry but they won't let you even rest in peace." 

Random ppl sitting in newsrooms discussing her death, her personality, her life etc.. ppl who haven’t even known her personally !!! Isn’t that preposterous ?!

— Rohit Roy (@rohitroy500) February 26, 2018

Director Abhishek Kapoor wrote, "Dont know which is a bigger tragedy. Sridevi passing away or the mad feeding frenzy of it by the media.. heart goes out to Boney sahab. I hope he is ok." 

Echoing similar thoughts, Anubhav Sinha tweeted, "Several hundred years later history books will mark these years for the death of journalism." 

Several hundred years later history books will mark these years for the death of journalism.

— Anubhav Sinha (@anubhavsinha) February 26, 2018

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Navdeep Suri, also appealed for calm. "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," Suri tweeted.

"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," he added.