Gouri Kishan is making headlines with her bold stand after a reporter made a loose comment on her weight during a Chennai press meet for her film ‘Others’. The video went viral on the internet. The conversation sparked outrage on social media, zeroing in on issues like sexism and body shaming that are still rooted in the industry.
Gouri Kishan took to her social media handle and shared a note questioning the audacity that follows body shaming. She wrote, “As a public figure, I understand the scrutiny is part of my profession. However, comments or questions — direct or indirect — that target’s body or appearance are inappropriate in any context. I wish I had been asked questions about the film — the work I was there for,” she added, “I cannot help but wonder if they would ask a male actor the same, in the same aggressive tone. I am grateful for being able to stand my ground in a difficult situation, it was important not only for myself but anyone who faced the same,” per The Hindu.
The controversy got into the heat when, during an interview, a reporter asked Gouri’s co-star Aditya Madhavan whether he found it challenging to lift Gouri during a sequence in a scene, considering the actress’s weight. The actress righteously interrupted the conversation and corrected the reporter, noting that the question was inappropriate. It did not hold any relevance to the film either.
Speaking of body shaming, the actress has stated that this has become normalised in society. She wrote, “This is not new but still prevalent — normalising body shaming in jest, while perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. I hope this will be a reminder to anyone who has felt this way that we are allowed to speak up.”
Soon after the controversy escalated, Chennai Press Club, AMMA from the Malayalam film industry, and South India Nadigar Sangam came to her support in the row. The actress has conveyed her due regards to the former. Other celebrities from the industry also came in her support.
