Mumbai: Days after veteran actor Jaya Bachchan ignited controversy with her scathing remarks on paparazzi culture, Huma Qureshi has stepped into the conversation — and she’s not mincing words.

Offering a refreshingly honest and nuanced perspective, Huma acknowledged both the discomforts and undeniable advantages that come with celebrity visibility, admitting that stars often play along with the system when it suits them.

Speaking to India Today, Huma described her relationship with paparazzi as “very healthy,” stressing that photographers are not villains by default.

“I think they are also important. I won’t lie, but we use them when we need to promote our films or bring a certain aspect of our lives into the public eye,” she said. “When we want to be spotted somewhere, we call them. I don’t want to put all the blame on them.”

Her remarks come as a direct contrast to Jaya Bachchan’s recent interview with Barkha Dutt, where the veteran actor delivered a sharp takedown of paparazzi culture, questioning their education, professionalism, and conduct. Jaya had said she shared “zero” relationship with photographers and criticised what she described as their lack of training and decorum.

Huma, however, chose a more balanced tone. She revealed that over the years, her rapport with photographers has evolved into one based on mutual understanding. On days when she isn’t feeling her best or simply doesn’t want to be photographed, she requests privacy — and, more often than not, the photographers comply.

That said, the actor did not shy away from addressing the darker side of the paparazzi ecosystem, especially for women in the industry. Huma spoke about facing intrusive questions and uncomfortable attempts to capture her from inappropriate angles.

“There’s a limit people should not cross, but we do cross it,” she admitted, adding that such experiences are all too common for female actors. Recalling an especially inappropriate question at a press conference, she stressed the need for clear boundaries and respect.

While Jaya Bachchan’s remarks triggered a larger debate on dignity and consent, voices within the industry remain divided. Actor Shatrughan Sinha recently came out in support of photographers, praising their professionalism and even their sense of dressing.

As the conversation around paparazzi culture grows louder, Huma Qureshi’s candid confession cuts through the noise — reminding everyone that Bollywood’s relationship with the camera is complicated, transactional, and far from one-sided.