Veteran actor and parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan has ignited a fresh controversy with her sharp criticism of paparazzi culture, drawing a strong rebuke from prominent filmmaker Ashoke Pandit. The online sphere is divided, with some supporting her stance on privacy invasion while others condemn her choice of words as elitist.
Ashoke Pandit's Strong Rebuttal
Ashoke Pandit, who serves as the President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, took to Instagram to express his disapproval. He shared a detailed note criticizing Bachchan's perspective. His caption simply stated, "Not very parliamentarian, #JayaBachchan ji," setting the tone for his argument.
In his note, Pandit accused the veteran actor of exhibiting "snobbish elitism." He clarified that while criticizing aggressive media coverage is valid, demeaning the entire profession with what he termed "downright classist remarks" was unacceptable. He emphasized that such comments were unbecoming of a senior industry figure and a parliamentarian.
Pandit further defended paparazzi, calling them hardworking professionals often summoned by celebrities and their PR teams for coverage. He suggested that if Bachchan held such strong opinions against the paparazzi culture, she should introspect within the industry rather than directing her outrage outwardly.
What Did Jaya Bachchan Say?
The controversy stems from Jaya Bachchan's recent comments at a Mumbai event. When asked about her relationship with the paparazzi, she expressed strong disapproval. Identifying herself as a product of the media and the daughter of a journalist, she stated she had zero relationship with the paparazzi.
She questioned their credentials, asking, "Who are these people? Are they trained to be representing the people of this country? You call them media?" Bachchan then made remarks about their attire, referring to "drain pipe pants" and "dirty clothes," and questioned their education and background.
Her core argument was that holding a mobile phone does not grant someone the right to take pictures and make arbitrary comments. She questioned whether such individuals should be considered representatives of the public.
Mixed Reactions and Ongoing Debate
The incident has triggered a polarized response on the internet. One section of netizens agrees with Jaya Bachchan's underlying concern about the aggressive invasion of privacy often witnessed in celebrity coverage. They support her right to call out intrusive behavior.
However, a significant portion, echoing Pandit's sentiment, has slammed the actor for the perceived classist tone of her remarks. Critics argue that her comments unfairly targeted individuals based on their appearance and presumed socio-educational background, rather than focusing solely on the ethics of their professional conduct.
This is not the first time Jaya Bachchan's interactions with paparazzi have made headlines, but the forceful criticism from a senior industry insider like Ashoke Pandit has intensified the debate, placing the spotlight on the complex dynamics between celebrities and the media that follows them.
