Kozhikode: Actor Aditya Madhavan has publicly apologised to his co-star Gouri Kishan after a body-shaming question aimed at her went viral from the press meet of their upcoming film Others.

According to reports, while promoting the film, a YouTuber asked Madhavan on-stage, “You lifted Gouri Kishan. How much does she weigh?” — an intrusive comment that triggered a strong reaction from Gouri Kishan.

In his apology, Madhavan explained that he froze when the question was posed and acknowledged that his silence sent the wrong message.

“My silence didn’t mean I approve body shaming of anyone. I froze because it caught me off guard, as it is my debut… I wish I’d stepped in sooner. She didn’t deserve that. No one does. Everyone deserves respect,” he said.

He added that although he was new to such public events, he personally believes strongly against body-shaming, having faced bullying and weight-related struggles himself in the past. “We don’t condone body-shaming,” he told media outlets.

Gouri Kishan responded with dignity to the incident, stating in her official statement that while she accepts scrutiny as part of being a public figure, questions or remarks targeting a person’s body or appearance are entirely inappropriate.

“I cannot help but wonder if they would ask a male actor the same, in the same aggressive tone,” she wrote.

She also emphasised that this episode was not just about her, but about the broader issue of normalising body-shaming in the media and society.

The incident, which took place in Chennai during a promotional event for the film, has sparked strong reactions on social media and within the film industry.

Many have praised Gouri’s composed yet firm response and have called for greater professionalism and accountability among journalists and YouTuber-interviewers alike.

Industry associations also weighed in, condemning the question as unprofessional and urging better standards in press events.

Madhavan’s apology and admission of regret are seen as a positive step, but the broader conversation remains centred on whether silent bystander behaviour can itself perpetuate harmful attitudes.

The actor says he hopes this incident encourages more people to speak out when they see inappropriate behaviour, and that silence should no longer be accepted as a default in the face of disrespect.

As the film Others prepares for its release, the controversy has shone a spotlight not only on the promotional event, but also on the responsibilities of media, interviewers, and participants in shaping respectful discourse around body image, especially in entertainment.