The Death of Verification

A false rumour about a film legend’s death shows how speed has replaced sense in modern journalism.

- Seema Sangra

Two days ago, while scrolling through my phone, a message flashed in a WhatsApp group: “End of an era.”

Below it was a picture of veteran actor Dharmendra.

A moment later came an Instagram post by a bestselling novelist and socialite: a black-and-white photograph with the actor from the pages of a bygone Stardust magazine.

The caption carried a heartfelt tribute, a promise of a forthcoming column, and a hashtag: #RIP.

The story seemed set, the digital obituary complete. But like life itself, every story needs verification.

News portals, scrambling to keep pace, echoed the sentiment. Then came the correction, a blessed denial.

It was Esha Deol, the actor's daughter, who stepped in to refute the rumors.