Tamil actor Gouri Kishan calls out journalist for body-shaming question: How does my weight concern you?

Gouri Kishan gets angry on reporter

Actress Gouri Kishan was at the centre of a heated argument when a reporter asked her about her weight in an inappropriate way during a media event for her upcoming movie ‘Others’ in Chennai.’

Days before the film's November 7 release, the incident went viral, igniting a broader discussion about sexism in the film industry and the difficulties faced by female actors in public settings.

Earlier in the week, the same journalist had asked Gouri’s co-star Aditya Madhavan about her weight, referencing a scene in which he had to lift her. At that moment, Gouri didn’t respond.

But on Thursday, after the film’s press screening, she confronted the question head-on, refusing to let it slide.

“How does my weight concern you? How is it relevant to this movie? Every woman has a different body type. I will let my talent speak. I’ve only done character-driven films so far. I don’t need your validation,” she said.

Some journalists tried to brush it off as a “light-hearted” question, but Gouri said: “I did not find it funny. Stop normalising body-shaming. It was a question about me; I have the right to have an opinion.”

She expressed frustration that her work, dedication, and the nuances of her character were being overlooked in favour of personal commentary on her appearance.

Also Read: The Girlfriend movie review: Rashmika Mandanna and Rahul Ravindran tell a much-needed story on modern relationships

“I haven’t been asked a single question about my character or preparation for the role. But everyone wants to know about my weight,” she said, calling the question “stupid” and pointing out that she was the only woman present. She also questioned whether a male actor would have been asked the same thing.

During the heated exchange, Gouri told the journalist “You are objectifying a female actor. This is not journalism, you are a disgrace to your profession.”

“You are objectifying a female actor. This is not journalism, you are a disgrace to your profession.”

The video quickly made rounds online, with many praising Gouri’s courage. Singer Chinmayi Sripada tweeted: “Gouri did an amazing job. The moment you call out a disrespectful and unnecessary question, there’s shouting and pushback. So proud that someone so young stood her ground. No male actor gets asked about his weight.”

Social media also criticised the silence of her male co-star and the director. Addressing his own inaction, Aditya Madhavan said,

“My silence didn’t mean I approve of body-shaming anyone. I froze because it caught me off guard – it’s my debut. I wish I’d stepped in sooner. She didn’t deserve that. No one does. Everyone deserves respect. I apologise once again.”

Others, starring Gouri Kishan and Aditya Madhavan, hits theatres on 7 November.