Filmmaker Ashok Pandit has publicly criticized veteran actress Jaya Bachchan’s recent comments regarding paparazzi. Pandit labeled Bachchan’s statements as “arrogant” and “demeaning.” He argued that her remarks were disrespectful to a community of hardworking professionals.
Bachchan, a senior figure in the film industry and a Member of Parliament, should not “completely demean” the profession, Pandit stated in a note. He acknowledged that criticizing aggressive coverage by some paparazzi is acceptable. However, he stressed that her broad generalizations were insulting.
Pandit highlighted that many paparazzi are often invited by celebrities and their public relations teams. He suggested that Bachchan should “look inward” if she is genuinely troubled by the paparazzi culture, rather than expressing “unnecessary anger.”
Bachchan’s original remarks had questioned the legitimacy and professionalism of paparazzi. She stated her positive relationship with “the media” but drew a sharp distinction with paparazzi. She declared her relationship with them to be “zero.”
“Who are these people?” Bachchan asked at a recent event. “Are they trained to represent the people of this country? You call them media?” She highlighted her father’s career as a journalist, expressing deep respect for that profession.
Bachchan further criticized paparazzi for wearing “tight, dirty drainpipe pants.” She also questioned their assumption that carrying a mobile phone gave them the right to photograph anyone.