Hansal Mehta reacts to being called a narcissist for his tribute to Mukul Dev: ‘Look up the meaning of decency’

A social media user slammed Hansal Mehta for mentioning his film Omertà while writing a tribute to late actor Mukul Dev on Instagram.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is fighting back after being labelled a narcissist on social media for mentioning his own film while paying tribute to his late friend and actor Mukul Dev. Hansal took umbrage with the criticism, stating he didn't need to hype a film made over seven years ago, and wondered why his actions were being twisted.

Hansal defends himself

After Mukul Dev’s death in May, Hansal Mehta shared an emotional tribute on social media.

A social media user criticised Hansal’s tribute to Mukul Dev, accusing him of ‘hyping’ his film Omertà in the post. He responded to the same on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The comment read, “Hansal Mehta is such a narcissist. Even here he is hyping himself and his film through his words…and why would you say that he was disappointed in himself and all after Mukul Dev passed away”.

That irked Hansal, who responded to it, urging people not to judge in a jiffy and instead understand the intent behind it

Reacting to it, Hansal wrote, "When a friend dies, grief expresses itself in memories, in stories, in guilt, in unfinished conversations. I shared mine with honesty and affection. If you see narcissism in that, it says more about your lens than my intent.”

After Mukul Dev’s death in May, Hansal shared an emotional tribute on social media. In his post, Hansal Mehta recalled how Mukul gave him the story for Omertà in 2003 and later felt proud and joyful seeing his name in the writing credits when the film was finally made.

"He was also a gifted writer. He gave me the story of Omertà back in 2003. I remember the joy in his voice when the film was finally made, the pride when he saw it with festival audiences, and that infectious excitement when his name came up in the writing credits... Respected. Validated. I just wish we had done more together,” Hansal wrote at that time.

About Mukul Dev death

Mukul Dev, known for his roles in films such as Son of Sardaar, Yamla Pagla Deewana and R... Rajkumar, passed away on May 23 in New Delhi due to ailing health. The actor's last rites were performed in the national capital.

Mukul Dev featured in several television shows, such as Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh... Phir Koi Hai, Kumkum - Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, and others. He also worked in popular films like Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R... Rajkumar, and Jai Ho. His last film is Son of Sardaar 2, which has not been released yet.