Veteran actor and parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan has sparked a major controversy with her sharp criticism of paparazzi culture, leading to a strong rebuke from filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who accused her of 'snobbish elitism'.
Pandit's Strong Condemnation on Social Media
On Monday, December 1, 2025, Ashoke Pandit, the president of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, took to Instagram to express his disapproval. He directly addressed Jaya Bachchan's comments, stating that while criticizing aggressive coverage is valid, demeaning the entire profession with classist remarks is unacceptable.
'Jaya Bachchan ji's statement against the paparazzi reeks of snobbish elitism,' Pandit wrote. He emphasized that paparazzi are hardworking professionals often invited by celebrities' own PR teams. Pandit urged Bachchan to look inward if she has such strong opinions, rather than indulging in 'misplaced outrage.'
Jaya Bachchan's Controversial Remarks
The uproar began after Jaya Bachchan made pointed comments about photographers who follow celebrities. She distinguished between the mainstream media, which she respects deeply as a journalist's daughter, and the paparazzi, with whom she claimed to have 'zero' relationship.
In her statement, she questioned their professionalism and background: 'Yeh jo bahar gande, tight pant pehnke, hath mein mobile leke... Kahan se aate hain, kis tarah ka education hai? Kya background hai? They will represent us?' She also criticized the trend of celebrities calling paparazzi to airports for staged photos, questioning what kind of celebrity would do that.
Widespread Outrage and Reaction
The fallout from Jaya Bachchan's remarks extended beyond Ashoke Pandit. Many social media users echoed the sentiment that her comments were classist and demeaning. The incident has ignited a fresh debate about the boundaries of celebrity culture, media ethics, and perceived elitism within the Bollywood industry.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between public figures' right to privacy and the media's role in covering their lives. As a senior member of both the film industry and Parliament, Bachchan's views have drawn significant scrutiny and divided public opinion.
