A recent public outburst by veteran actor and politician Jaya Bachchan against the paparazzi in Mumbai has ignited a fresh controversy, drawing strong criticism from within the media fraternity. The incident, which occurred in early January 2026, saw Bachchan making pointed comments about the photographers' clothing and comparing them to mice, remarks that have been widely perceived as demeaning.
Photographer's Emotional Rebuttal
In a detailed interview with Siddharth Kannan, senior celebrity photographer Varinder Chawla expressed profound hurt over the comments. Chawla stated that his entire team felt personally attacked by Jaya Bachchan's words. He emphasized that there are respectful ways for celebrities to set boundaries with the media, citing examples of stars like Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, and Virat Kohli. "They invited us for tea and politely requested us not to photograph their children. We have always respected that," Chawla explained, contrasting this approach with Bachchan's confrontational style.
Chawla revealed that the photographer community internally discussed the option of simply stopping to click Jaya Bachchan's pictures out of respect for her apparent discomfort, not as a boycott. He noted that his team has always addressed her respectfully as 'Jaya ji' and never misbehaved.
The Socio-Economic Reality Behind the Lens
The core of Chawla's rebuttal focused on the socio-economic background of the paparazzi. He stressed that many photographers come from financially modest backgrounds and earn very little. From their meager income, they manage travel, household expenses, and other necessities. "If they were highly educated or financially privileged, they wouldn't be working here," Chawla asserted, adding that commenting on someone's attire without understanding their struggles is deeply unfair.
He extended the implication of Bachchan's remarks beyond the paparazzi, suggesting they reflect her view of the common working person. "Jaya ji must have several staff at home who wear uniforms. But who knows their financial situation? Her comments affect everyone in the industry, including spot boys," Chawla said, framing the issue as one of class perception.
Contradictions and Practical Alternatives
Chawla also addressed a specific comment from Bachchan questioning celebrities who invite paparazzi. He pointed out a contradiction within her own family, noting that Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's promotional events for film releases routinely involve invited media coverage. He clarified that photographers are typically invited by PR teams and event organizers, not by the stars themselves directly.
Offering a practical solution, Chawla suggested that if a celebrity is genuinely uncomfortable, they can use alternative entries. "Every event has a red carpet and a back entry. If you don't want to be clicked, use the back entry. Your PR can arrange it. But walking the red carpet and then creating a scene doesn't make sense," he advised.
The controversy stems from Jaya Bachchan's earlier interview with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, where she drew a sharp distinction between the formal media and paparazzi. While expressing great respect for the traditional media, she questioned the credentials of paparazzi, criticizing their attire and the nature of their work. The photographer community's response, led by voices like Varinder Chawla, underscores a growing demand for dignity and respect for all professionals within the entertainment ecosystem, regardless of their role or economic standing.
