Veteran actor and BJP leader R. Sarathkumar has strongly condemned the body-shaming remarks directed at Tamil actor Gouri G. Kishan during a recent press conference, calling the journalist’s question “below the belt” and “completely unacceptable”.

Speaking out in support of the young actor, Sarathkumar said, “It is condemnable and below the belt to ask such a question to a woman. Respect for women is essential in any civilised society, and what he has done is completely wrong.” His remarks come amid growing outrage in the Tamil film industry and media fraternity over the incident.

The controversy erupted after Gouri Kishan, known for her roles in films including 96 and Master, was asked about her weight at a press conference for her latest film, Others. The journalist reportedly posed a question to Gouri’s co-actor about “how it felt to lift her” during romantic scenes, and followed it up by asking the film’s director if her casting was a “misfit” because the hero was tall and she appeared “out of shape”.

In an interview with ANI, Gouri described the episode as “ridiculous” and said the journalist had gone on to defend his comments as “facts”. She recounted: “My co-actor was asked, ‘We see you picking her up in some romance sequences; how was her weight like?’ The second question to the director was that it was a miscasting because the hero is so tall and I am out of shape or short. He then defended it for a long time.”

Gouri added that such behaviour highlights a deeper problem of sexism within professional spaces. “For some people, women are just there and they shouldn’t have an opinion. I was sidelined for the same reason. The fact that nobody spoke up is like everybody is ready to let go. What I want to do with my body is my choice. Such things can open up issues surrounding mental health, self-confidence, and self-esteem,” she said.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism from across the Tamil film fraternity. Several well-known actors, including Samyuktha Viswanathan, Khushbu Sundar, Radikaa Sarathkumar, and Parvathy Thiruvothu, as well as filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, have publicly expressed solidarity with Gouri. Many called for greater accountability in how women artists are treated in professional interactions.

The Chennai Press Club also issued a statement condemning the journalist’s behaviour, describing the questions as “highly unethical, indecent, and condemnable.” The club added, “Raising questions aimed at mocking or humiliating a woman artist over her physical appearance, especially in a professional forum meant to discuss a film, is highly inappropriate. The Chennai Press Club strongly denounces such behaviour and urges fellow journalists to call out and question individuals who conduct themselves in a sexist or disrespectful manner.”

Gouri Kishan was attending the press meet for her new film Others, directed by Abin Hariharan and co-starring Aditya Madhavan. The film, which also features Anju Kurian, Munishkanth, Hareesh Peradi, Nandu Jagan, Mala Parvathy, and Vinoth Sagar, was released in theatres on November 7, 2025.

The incident has reignited discussions on sexism and body-shaming in the Indian entertainment industry, with many urging media professionals to uphold dignity and respect in their conduct towards women. (ANI)