Ashish Vidyarthi Criticizes Bollywood’s “Fake Funeral Culture,” Calls Out Performative Grief

Mumbai:- Veteran actor and National Award-winner Ashish Vidyarthi has sparked a heated debate in the film industry after openly criticizing what he calls Bollywood’s “fake funeral culture.” In a recent candid interview, Vidyarthi accused several actors of turning solemn occasions into publicity stunts, accusing them of displaying “false emotions” at public memorials.
“People who barely knew the deceased show up with dramatic tears, just to be seen and photographed. It’s disrespectful—not only to the dead but to the grieving families,” said Vidyarthi.
He condemned the growing trend of celebrities using funerals as opportunities for media visibility, stating that real grief is deeply personal and should not be staged for cameras. “Genuine sorrow doesn’t need a spotlight. Mourning isn’t content for social media,” he added.
Vidyarthi’s remarks come in the wake of recent celebrity funerals that drew public criticism for what many saw as exaggerated or insincere behavior from attendees.
His comments have stirred widespread reactions online—some users applauded his honesty and called his criticism “much needed,” while others accused him of painting the industry with too broad a brush.
Known for his powerful performances in films like Drohkaal and across multiple Indian languages, Vidyarthi ended his statement with a firm appeal: “Let’s stop turning someone’s final journey into a photo opportunity. Let them rest in peace.”