Copyright newskarnataka
Tamil actor Gouri Kishan has received widespread praise after confronting a journalist who asked a sexist question about her weight during a press conference for her upcoming film Others in Chennai. The video of the exchange, which quickly went viral on social media, has sparked a larger conversation about body-shaming and gender sensitivity in the film industry. The incident at the press meet During the promotional event, a reporter asked Gouri’s co-star, Aditya Madhavan, whether it was “difficult to lift her during a scene” because of her “weight.” Before Aditya could respond, Gouri immediately intervened, visibly taken aback by the question. In a firm tone, she said in Tamil, “How does my weight concern you? How is that relevant to the film? My weight is my choice—it does not define my talent.” When the journalist tried to defend his question, Gouri continued, “Every woman has a different body type. Stop normalising body-shaming. I have worked hard on character-driven films. I don’t need your validation.” As publicists attempted to steer the discussion back to the film, Gouri asserted, “I have a point to make here, and everyone is silencing me.” Her remarks drew applause from several attendees, including her co-stars and members of the production team. Strong reactions from industry peers The clip quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, prompting an outpouring of support for the young actor. Filmmaker Pa Ranjith was among the first to voice solidarity, condemning the reporter’s behaviour. He wrote on X: “@Gourayy more power to you. I strongly condemn the reporter’s actions; they are unacceptable and shameful. That female actors still have to face such indecent questions shows how far Thamizh cinema has yet to go.” Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar also weighed in, saying, “How much a woman weighs is none of anyone’s business. Asking the hero about it? What a shame! Kudos to Gouri for standing her ground.” Actor Kavin added a message of encouragement, writing, “Inside and out, you’re beautiful and inspiring, Gouri.” Social media lauds Gouri’s confidence Fans across social media platforms hailed Gouri for her courage and composure. Hashtags like #StandWithGouri and #RespectWomenInCinema began trending regionally. Many users pointed out that her response reflects a generational shift in the Tamil film industry, where actors are increasingly vocal about issues such as sexism and professionalism in media interactions. A fan commented, “This is how you respond—with dignity and strength. Gouri handled it better than most would have.” Another wrote, “Reporters must understand boundaries. These kinds of questions have no place in a professional event.” A career built on strong performances Gouri Kishan, who made her acting debut in Vijay’s Master and rose to fame with 96 alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, has since become known for choosing meaningful, performance-oriented roles. Her upcoming film Others, directed by Venu Sri Ram, is a drama exploring identity and acceptance within urban social circles. Industry insiders note that Gouri’s response reflects the same conviction and authenticity she brings to her roles. “She is among the few young actors unafraid to call out problematic behaviour,” said a Chennai-based critic. The larger conversation The incident has reignited discussions about media ethics and sensitivity at film events. Activists and film journalists have called for better training and awareness among reporters covering entertainment beats, stressing that professionalism should never be compromised for sensational questions. Women in the South Indian film industry have long spoken about being subjected to inappropriate questions at public events. Gouri’s firm stand, many believe, could set a precedent for how future interactions are handled. By calling out the sexist remark in a calm yet assertive manner, Gouri Kishan not only defended herself but also highlighted the need for respect and dignity in press interactions. Her stand has resonated far beyond the Others press conference, serving as a reminder that the industry must continue evolving toward equality and accountability.
