Chinmayi Sripaada, Richa Chadha, Khushbu Sundar laud Gouri Kishan for shutting down sexist question

Gouri Kishan has become the centre of an important conversation about sexism in the film industry after she firmly responded to an inappropriate question about her weight during a press meet for her latest Tamil film, Others. The young actor, best known for her debut as the younger version of Trisha’s character in 96 (2018), refused to entertain the question and called out the reporter for crossing a line. This has earned her widespread support from several prominent voices across the industry.

In a now-viral clip from the event, Gouri can be heard saying, “How does my weight concern you in any way? How does it matter or be relevant to the film? My weight is my choice and does not concern my talent. I can only speak through my films, and I am working hard. I have chosen characters that are career-oriented.” Her dignified but assertive response has since sparked discussions about the double standards faced by female actors in the entertainment world.

Singer and activist Chinmayi Sripaada was among the first to commend Gouri’s stance. She shared the video on social media and wrote, “Gowri did an amazing job. The moment you call out a disrespectful and unnecessary question, a whole lot of shouting down happens. So proud that someone so young stood her ground and pushed back. No male actor gets asked what his weight is. No idea why they asked a female actor.”
Gouri graciously responded to Chinmayi’s post, saying, “Thank you @Chinmayi. Women like you inspire us to stand our ground. Your support means a lot to me.”

Richa Chadha also responded tweeting, “It’s amazing that apart from the regular arduous struggle of showbiz, women have to navigate around so many floating turds while swimming towards success and self-realisation.”

Veteran actor and politician Khushbu Sundar also expressed outrage over the journalist’s question. She wrote, “Journalism has lost its ground. How much a woman weighs is none of their business. Kudos to the young Gouri Kishan who stood her ground and gave it back. Respect is never a one-way traffic. Learn to give respect if you expect to be respected.”
Gouri’s latest film, Others, has hit the theatres today.