In the wake of the death of Sridevi, Indian television channels were severely criticised for insensitive coverage of the final moments of the legendary actor. The outrage peaked when Tez TV aired a video of a baby, coupled with the question: “Kya Sridevi ka punar janam ho chuka hai? (Has Sridevi been reborn?)”
The fake news in question here claims that Sridevi had been reincarnated in the form of a baby girl who purportedly has similar facial features as the late actress.
While criticism poured in, what many failed to realise is that the the 24-hour Hindi news television channel, owned by TV Today network, was not spreading the fake news, but warning viewers against falling for it.
The video, in fact, dates back to 2017 and was picked up by Tez TV in an attempt to debunk the hoax. The channel was, instead, clubbed with the group of TV channels who had received flak for sensationalising the death of Sridevi with conspiracy theories and bizarre bathtub stunts.
Sridevi passed away in Dubai on 24 February. The 54-year-old actor was cremated in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on 28 February.
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