Tamil actor Gauri Kishan received public support from leading film personalities after a reporter asked a gender-biased question about her weight at a press conference of her new film ‘Others’. Director Pa Ranjith, actor-politician Khushboo Sundar and actor Kavin condemned the question and expressed their support towards him. The reporter asked Gauri’s co-star, Aditya Madhavan about her weight when he lifted her for a scene in the film.

The incident, which occurred during the film’s promotional activities, gained significant attention in the Tamil film industry, sparking a wider conversation about the treatment of female artistes at media events.

Director Pa Ranjith was one of the very few celebrities to voice support for Gauri Kishan, saying, “@Gauri More power to you. I strongly condemn the reporter’s actions; they are unacceptable and shameful. That female artistes still have to face these undignified questions shows how far Thamizh cinema still has to go.”

Actor and politician Khushboo Sundar also addressed the issue, criticizing the decline in journalism standards. While she mistakenly called the actor Gauri Shankar, she apologized for the mistake in another ex-post and clarified that she was talking about Gauri Kishan.

He commented, “Journalism has lost its ground. So-called journalists take journalism to the gutter. How much a woman weighs is not their job. And asking the hero about it?? What a shame! Congratulations to young #GauriShankar, who stood his ground and gave it back. Are the same men okay if we women, actors, turn around and ask the same questions about the women in our families? Respect is never one-way traffic. If you expect it then give respect. Learn. Respected.”

Kavin, who acted with Gauri Kishan, also expressed his solidarity. He commented, “Inside and out, you are beautiful and inspiring, Gauri :)” and added, “Always be like that.”

Gauri Kishan criticized a reporter for body shaming her co-star Aditya Madhavan by asking him about his weight. She said, “What difference does my weight make to you? How is it relevant to this film? Every woman has a different body type. I will let my talent speak for me. I have only done character-based films till now. I don’t need your validation.”

Some journalists supported the reporter by calling it a “light-hearted” question. Gauri dismissed it, saying, “I don’t find it funny. Stop normalizing body shaming. It was a question about me; I have a right to my opinion.”

But, the reporter yelled at him for expressing his discomfort. He commented, “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 further described the question as “stupid” and highlighted the singling out of female actors, noting that she was the only woman being targeted. She also questioned him whether he would ask a male actor about his weight.

Gauri concluded her argument by saying, “You are objectifying a female actor,” adding, “This is not journalism, you are being disrespectful to your profession.”