Veteran actor and parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan has once again set social media abuzz — this time with her blunt declaration that she has “zero relationship” with paparazzi.
🎤 What She Said
Speaking at the “We The Women” event in Mumbai, Jaya was asked about her rapport with the paparazzi. Her response was unequivocal: “My relationship with paparazzi is zero.” She didn’t stop there. She questioned their professionalism and credentials, asking whether those “wearing tight, dirty pants, holding mobiles” — and assuming the right to click and comment — could be legitimately called media.
She further queried — “Who are these people? Are they meant to represent the people of this country?” — challenging their education, background and suitability for such a role.
The Backlash: Paparazzi Push Back
Her remarks — especially the insults about attire and respectability — provoked a strong reaction from parts of the media world. Prominent paparazzi such as Manav Manglani, Viral Bhayani, and Varinder Chawla publicly condemned her statements, calling them disrespectful and classist. Some even threatened a boycott of the entire family — raising doubts over coverage of her grandson’s upcoming film.
One photographer reportedly said even family members like Amitabh Bachchan — often photographed when greeting fans — may now find themselves without media coverage.
The Larger Debate: Privacy, Media Ethics, and Class
Critics of Jaya’s remarks argue that while the paparazzi culture in Bollywood often crosses ethical lines, attacking an entire profession — based on clothing, background or perceived status — crosses its own moral boundary. They see it as a display of elitism that ignores the hard-working individuals behind the camera.
Supporters, however, say that her bluntness reflects a genuine frustration many celebrities feel — that their privacy is constantly invaded, and that not all photographers deserve to be called media. For them, the issue isn’t just about pictures — it’s about consent, respect, and boundaries.
Where It Stands Now
As of today, there is mounting tension between certain sections of paparazzi and the Bachchan family. The threat of boycott remains in the air, and public reactions remain divided. Some hail her for daring to speak up; others criticise the tone and class-based overtones. Meanwhile, the broader discussion — on what constitutes respectful media handling of public figures — seems far from over.