At the We The Women 2025 event, actor Janhvi Kapoor delivered a strong critique of today’s media and social media ecosystem, calling out its growing voyeuristic and sensationalist culture, especially when it comes to celebrity tragedies. She reflected on her personal experience following the death of her mother, legendary actor Sridevi, and the recent misinformation spread about veteran star Dharmendra.
Janhvi said the current environment not only dehumanises public figures but often rewards harmful content. “We saw what happened with Dharamji, and it’s happened repeatedly. I’m sure it’s only going to get worse,” she remarked, adding that audiences bear part of the responsibility. “Every like, view, share and comment incentivises this culture. We contribute to it without realising.”
On Losing Sridevi and the Media Response
Speaking about the traumatic period following Sridevi’s passing in 2018, Janhvi said the loss became even more painful due to the way it was portrayed online. “When I lost my mom, it was horrible. I don’t know if anyone can understand what it’s like to lose someone so close and then see it turned into a meme,” she said in conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt.
She admitted she rarely discusses her mother publicly because she fears people might believe she is doing it for attention. “I never want it to seem like I’m using such a painful part of my life for sympathy or a headline. That thought always holds me back.”
“Human Morality Is in Shambles”
Janhvi strongly criticised social media’s impact on empathy and boundaries. She described the current state as a “complete derailment of human morality”, pointing to the public’s increasing appetite for disturbing content.
“Earlier, there was a consciousness that stopped us from seeing or saying certain things. Now that’s gone, and it’s disgusting,” she said. “Someone dies, a tragedy takes place, and people want to see things they shouldn’t be seeing. It’s the same unhealthy satisfaction that gossip creates, but amplified through social media.”
Upcoming Work
On the professional front, Janhvi Kapoor will next be seen in the Telugu film Peddi, co-starring Ram Charan and directed by Buchi Babu Sana.
