“Grief Isn’t Narcissism”: Hansal Mehta Defends Tribute to Mukul Dev
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has responded strongly to online criticism after a heartfelt tribute he posted for late actor and writer Mukul Dev was labeled “narcissistic” by a social media user. Mukul Dev passed away in May, leaving behind colleagues, friends, and fans who continue to mourn his loss.
ALSO READ: Farah Khan Mistakes Ram Kapoor’s Comment, Makes Him Cook and Clean in Vlog
Following Mukul’s death, Hansal Mehta took to social media to share a deeply personal message, recalling their professional collaboration on the 2017 film Omertà, for which Mukul had contributed the original story back in 2003. Mehta’s tribute was filled with grief, nostalgia, and regret for not having done more projects together.
However, one user took issue with Mehta referencing his own work in the post. 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?”
The filmmaker, clearly hurt by the accusation, responded on X (formerly Twitter), defending the emotional intent behind his post.
“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,” Mehta wrote.
He further added:
“Also, I don’t need to ‘hype’ a film made over seven years ago. That film was Mukul’s dream. His pride in it was real. His credit on it gave him some joy. If narrating that is narcissism, maybe you need to look up the meaning of grief and decency.”
In the original tribute, Mehta had described Mukul as a “gifted writer” who gave him the story for Omertà, a biographical crime drama starring Rajkummar Rao. He recalled Mukul’s joy when the film finally released, and his pride in seeing his name on the credits at film festivals. “I just wish we had done more together,” Hansal had concluded in the emotional message.
For ongoing coverage and the latest developments, stay with Newz24India.