Actor Gouri Kishan Takes Bold Stand Against Body-Shaming Reporters at Press Meet

Tamil and Malayalam actress Gouri Kishan, known for her impactful roles in films like ’96 and Karnan, has earned widespread applause for fiercely confronting a journalist who posed an inappropriate and body-shaming question during a recent press meet for her upcoming Tamil thriller, Others. The viral video of the exchange has ignited a crucial conversation about sexism and journalistic ethics within the film industry.

The Controversial Question

The incident unfolded in Chennai when a reporter, during a media interaction for the film’s promotion, directed a question about Ms. Kishan’s weight to her male co-star, Aditya Madhavan. The question, reportedly stemming from a scene where the male lead lifts the actress, was an attempt to comment on her physique rather than her performance or the movie itself.

Visibly upset, Gouri Kishan immediately took control of the situation, challenging the journalist’s line of inquiry. “How does my weight concern you in any way? How does it matter and be relevant to the film?” she questioned, asserting that her weight is her personal choice and irrelevant to her professional talent.

“This is Not Journalism”

The actress, standing her ground amidst the heated exchange, did not mince words when the journalist attempted to justify his question as something “everyone usually asks.” She firmly stated, “Stop normalising body-shaming. What you’re doing right now is not journalism; you are a disgrace to your profession.“

She pointed out the inherent sexism in the query, highlighting that male actors are rarely subjected to questions about their weight, while female actors’ appearances often overshadow their work. Ms. Kishan also expressed her disappointment that, despite being a character-driven actress, no questions had been asked about her role as a doctor in Others or her preparation for the part.

Industry and Public Rally Support

The video of Gouri Kishan’s courageous response quickly went viral, drawing immense support from fans, colleagues, and senior media personalities.

• Celebrity Backing: Noted figures, including playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, took to social media to commend her for her bravery. Chinmayi wrote, “So proud that someone so young stood her ground and pushed back. No male actor gets asked what his weight is.” Actor Kavin also publicly expressed his admiration, calling her “inspiring.”
• Co-star’s Apology: Aditya Madhavan, Gouri’s co-star who faced criticism for his silence during the moment, later issued a public apology. He explained, “My silence didn’t mean I approve [of] body shaming of anyone. I froze because it caught me off guard as it is my debut… She didn’t deserve that. No one does. Everyone deserves respect.”

Ms. Kishan’s composure and clarity in shutting down the body-shaming question have turned a promotional event into a defining moment against the pervasive culture of objectification in the entertainment industry. Her actions serve as a powerful reminder of the dignity and respect deserved by all professionals, regardless of their gender or appearance.