Deepika Padukone, Faissal Khan, Mini Mathur: Why Bollywood figures are pushing back against paparazzi intrusion

Deepika Padukone and others stand against pap culture

At a time when pap culture in showbiz is at its peak, the ethical boundary between reporting and intrusion seems to continue to blur.

It comes as no surprise then that Indian celebrities are increasingly asserting their right to personal dignity, and pushing back against paparazzi tactics that cross the lines of decency.

Some recent reactions have once again sparked vital conversations on media accountability and privacy.

Mini Mathur defends Kajol

At a recent promotional event for The Trial: Season 2, Kajol stunned in a sleek black bodycon dress. But the celebratory moment quickly spiraled as paparazzi zoomed in on her body, prompting body-shaming commentary online.

Mini Mathur didn’t hold back as she remarked, "How dare you zoom in on her body? She doesn’t owe you guys eternal youth. You don’t get to decide how she should look."

Deepika Padukone speaks up to protect her child’s privacy

Deepika vehemently objected when someone surreptitiously filmed her daughter, Dua. She demanded privacy for her baby, reinforcing that even stars can set boundaries when it comes to their families.

Faissal Khan schools paps on the streets

Standing up to paparazzi who recorded him without consent in public, Aamir Khan's brother Faissal Khan expressed discomfort.

The actor, who has largely stayed away from mainstream limelight since his debut in Mela (2000), was spotted walking on the streets of Mumbai when paps began filming him without so much as an introduction. “Video aise lena sahi nahi lagta hai…” he was heard saying.

Calling out disrespectful behaviour

In recent past, Kajol criticised paparazzi who pursue actors in sensitive contexts like funerals, calling it "odd and a little disrespectful."

She also lamented being followed from “Juhu to Bandra” saying such behaviour would warrant police action if done to a regular individual.

Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan has often labeled such behaviour invasive, reminding paps time and again that not every public moment is up for grabs.

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Objectification won’t fly

Earlier, Zareen Khan confronted media persons with a simple plea, “Look at my face, not my body.” She demanded respect for her identity beyond physical appearance.

Similarly, content creator Apoorva Mukhija, who has quickly built a following for her candid takes and unapologetic personality, also confronted objectionable camerawork recently.

During a public appearance, she noticed paps deliberately angling their cameras in ways that highlighted her body rather than her work or personality.

Apoorva, instead of brushing it off, chose to speak up on the spot—reminding photographers to “focus on the person, not the body.”