Gouri Kishan calls out journalist for sexist question about her weight, film industry condemns reporter

Tamil actor Gouri Kishan has won widespread praise after confronting a journalist who asked a sexist question about her weight during a press conference for her new film Others in Chennai. The incident, captured on video and circulated widely online, shows Gouri rejecting the inappropriate question, which she called “irrelevant and disrespectful.”

The controversy began when a reporter asked Gouri’s co-star, Aditya Madhavan, whether it was difficult to lift her during a scene, citing her “weight.” Gouri intervened, saying in Tamil, “How does my weight concern you? How is that relevant to the film? My weight is my choice—it does not define my talent.”

When the journalist attempted to justify his question, Gouri continued, “Every woman has a different body type. Stop normalising body-shaming. I have worked hard on character-driven films. I don’t need your validation.” As publicists tried to calm the situation, she added, “I have a point to make here, and everyone is silencing me.”

The exchange prompted outrage across the Tamil film fraternity. Director Pa Ranjith condemned the reporter’s behaviour, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “@Gourayy more power to you. That female actors still face such indecent questions shows how far Thamizh cinema has yet to go.”

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar also criticised the reporter’s conduct, writing, “How much a woman weighs is none of their business. Asking the hero about it? What a shame! Kudos to Gouri for standing her ground.”

Actor Kavin also added, “Inside and out, you’re beautiful and inspiring, Gouri.”

Gouri’s Others co-star Aditya Madhavan also broke his silence on the controversy after facing criticism online for not intervening during the incident. Taking to X, the debutant actor wrote, “Hi to all, 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, regardless of who we are. I apologise once again.”

In an official statement, the Chennai Press Club also weighed in on the controversy, notably describing the person involved as a “YouTuber” rather than a journalist. “The Chennai Press Club strongly condemns the behaviour of a YouTuber who posed an inappropriate question to actress Gouri Kishan regarding her body weight during the press meet of the film Others,” the statement read. “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 unethical, indecent, and condemnable.” The body went on to praise Gouri for her composure and assertiveness, stating, “We appreciate actress Gouri Kishan for expressively and courageously voicing her objection even in the face of collective opposition.”

Meanwhile, the South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) also issued a statement of solidarity with Gouri, saying, “We strongly condemn the incident that happened to our sister yesterday. We will begin the necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.”

While some defended the journalist by calling the exchange “light-hearted,” Gouri dismissed such claims: “I did not find it funny. It’s about respect.” She later remarked, “I haven’t been asked a single question about my character or my preparation — only about my body. Would you ask the same of a male actor?”

The 26-year-old actor, known for roles in 96, Karnan, and Ulagammai, has since received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. Her film Others released in theatres on November 7, while her next project, Love Insurance Kompany, hits screens on December 18.