06 November,2025 10:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gouri Kishan
Actor Gouri Kishan has been busy promoting her film Others, which will hit theatres on November 7. Ahead of the film's release, the actress, along with director Abin Hariharan and actor Aditya Madhavan, attended a press meet in Chennai. The event turned tense when Gouri slammed a journalist for asking about her weight. The journalist, in turn, defended his question, sparking a heated exchange that has since gone viral, with netizens supporting the actress.
At the Chennai press meet, Gouri was taken aback by the question about her weight. She called out the sexism reflected in the query, labelling it "stupid." The argument escalated, with Gouri pointing out that she was the only woman in the room and was being targeted.
In the middle of the exchange, Gouri said, "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."
When Gouri asked the journalist the same question in return, several media members defended him, saying she was the one in front of the camera and thus open to such questions.
Other journalists in the room tried to justify the question, calling it "light-hearted." Reacting strongly, 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."
The actress further said, "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 also questioned why female actors face such scrutiny while male actors don't.
"You are objectifying a female actor," she said as the argument continued. "This is not journalism; you are a disgrace to your profession."
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada reacted to the viral clip and praised Gouri for standing up against the disrespectful question. She wrote, "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."
The viral video sparked outrage online. Many supported Gouri and criticised the journalist for the inappropriate question at a film promotion event. One user wrote, "The hero and the director, what are you doing there? Shame on you both for staying silent."
Another commented, "That guy sitting next to her⦠at least defend her! Even you have women in your family. Body-shaming is a huge red flag. That reporter should be sacked immediately."
A third user added, "She was continuously interrupted and not allowed to speak. Full male dominance and body-shaming on display."
After being criticised for his silence, actor Aditya Madhavan responded in Chinmayi's comment section, writing, "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."
