Sapthami Gowda slams paparazzi for invasive photography of female actors, calls for respect and professionalism

Sapthami Gowda slams paparazzi for invasive photography of female actors, calls for respect and professionalism

• Sapthami Gowda condemns invasive paparazzi behavior at events
• She urges media to focus on actresses' work, not their bodies
• Gowda calls for professionalism and respect from photographers

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Actor Sapthami Gowda, best known for her breakthrough role in Kantara, has spoken out against what she described as invasive and inappropriate paparazzi behaviour toward female actors at public events, urging greater professionalism and respect from media personnel.

In a statement shared via her Instagram Story, Sapthami criticised a section of photographers and content creators for focusing on actresses’ bodies rather than their work — especially through unnecessary zoom-ins and inappropriate camera angles — and said such practices undermine dignity and purpose in the film industry.

Sapthami wrote, "As women in the film industry, we stand together in addressing a recurring issue. Repeatedly, videos and photographs of female actors at public events are shot and circulated from inappropriate angles, with unncecessary zooms that focus on our bodies rather than our work."

Sapthami highlighted the broader impact of such behaviour, saying that while only “a few individuals” may engage in these practices, their actions set a problematic precedent for how women are treated and portrayed at events.

"This behaviour, carried out by a few individuals, is disrespectful and unacceptable. We are here for our craft. We are here for our cinema," she said.

Calling for a cultural shift in media coverage, she added, “We unequivocally condemn deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles. They are clear violations of dignity and will not be normalised or tolerated.” According to Gowda, actresses are in the industry for their craft, not to be objectified, and she urged photographers and journalists to exhibit basic respect and decency.

Gowda further stressed solidarity among women in film, saying they stand united in setting this boundary and supporting anyone who has faced such treatment. She said, "We unequivocally condemn deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles. They are clear violations of dignity and will not be normalised or tolerated. We expect those covering events to maintain professionalism, basic respect, and decency."

"We stand united in setting this boundary. We stand in solidarity with every woman who has experienced this – and we will continue to support one another in demanding respect," Gowda concluded.