An Indian journalist's coverage of Sridevi Kapoor's accidental drowning in a hotel bathroom has led to outrage after he jumped into a bathtub to report the news of her death.
The journalist from the Mahaa News Channel positioned himself in the bath before simulating a drowning.
The coverage was one of many news programs who were criticised for their coverage of the death in the aftermath.
The journalist was strongly condemned on social media for "insensitive" reporting.
A reporter has been criticised for coverage of the death. Source: Twitter
"Any shame left bloody media… you can’t stoop lower than this. RIP our media and journalism," Kamal Budhiraju commented on the online video.
Ms Kapoor was found dead in the bathtub of a Dubai hotel room last Saturday.
Dubai police have since closed the case, ruling out foul play, after a forensic report showed the Bollywood actress died of “accidental drowning following the loss of consciousness”.
Her passing was initially reported as a cardiac arrest.
Other news channels used images of Ms Kapoor in a bathtub or edited graphics to attempt to visualize her last moments alive.
Karnika Kohli, a journalist for The Wire, joined the criticism of the media coverage in a tweet: “If Indian news channels cannot take you into the bathroom they will bring the bathroom to you.”
Columnist Brown Sahiba felt the media’s use of graphics to portray the 54-year old Bollywood actress' death was "gross on multiple fronts".
Indian comedian and actor Vir Das called the news channels who attempted to reenact Ms Kapoor's death "parasites".
#SrideviDeathMystery
Sridevi Kapoor’s sudden death on February 24, triggered speculation about the cause and nature of her death on social media, with users adopting the hashtag #SrideviDeathMystery.
Navika Kumar, managing editor for Indian-English news channel, Times Now, tweeted: "The death mystery gets deeper with several unanswered questions. Should there be a deeper probe into the diva's death?".
Indian-English language News channel, Republic TV, televised a live debate focused on the #SrideviDeathMystery social media phenomenon.
Star farewelled in Mumbai
Thousands of heartbroken fans lined the streets of Mumbai Wednesday as India said farewell to the Bollywood legend.
Crowds had also gathered outside Ms Kapoor’s residence in Mumbai to grieve the veteran actor, once awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours for her work.
Indian actress Sridevi Source: (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
Ms Kapoor’s family has released a statement thanking those who gave their respects to the actress, who started her career at age four.
“The film fraternity media, fans of late Sridevi Kapoor and all the well-wishers for their prayers, support and sensitivity during our moment of immense grief,” the statement said.
