Gouri Kishan | Photo credit: Instagram/ @gourigkofficial
Tamil actor Gouri Kishan has received widespread praise after confronting a journalist who asked a sexist question about her weight at a press conference for her new film Others in Chennai. The incident, caught on video and widely circulated online, shows Gouri dismissing the inappropriate question, which she described as “irrelevant and disrespectful”.
The controversy started when a reporter asked Gouri’s co-star Aditya Madhavan if it was difficult to lift her during a scene and cited her “weight”. Gouri intervened and said in Tamil, “How does my weight concern you? How does it relate to the film? My weight is my choice – it does not define my talent.”
When the journalist tried to justify her question, Gouri continued, “Every woman has a different body type. Stop normalizing body shaming. I have worked hard on figure-driven films. I don’t need your validation.” When journalists tried to calm the situation, she added: “I have to say something here and everyone is silencing me.
The exchange sparked outrage across the Tamil film fraternity. Director Pa Ranjith condemned the reporter’s behavior and wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “@Gourayy more power to you. That actresses still face such rude questions shows how far Thamizh cinema still has to go.”
@Gourayy more power to you. I strongly condemn the actions of the reporter; they are unacceptable and shameful. That actresses still have to face these indecent questions shows how far Thames cinema still has to travel.
pic.twitter.com/tYUo9LH8Zx
– pa.ranjith (@beemji) November 7, 2025
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar also slammed the reporter’s behavior and wrote, “How much a woman weighs is none of their business. To ask a hero? What a shame! Kudos to Gouri for standing up for herself.”
Actor Kavin also added, “You are beautiful and inspiring inside and out, Gouri.”
You are beautiful and inspiring inside and out, Gouri 🙂
Always stay the same 💪🏼@Gourayy ♥️
— Kavin (@Kavin_m_0431) November 6, 2025
Gouri’s Others co-star Aditya Madhavan also broke his silence on the controversy after he faced criticism online for not intervening during the incident. In an interview with X, the debuting actor wrote, “Hi everyone, my silence didn’t mean I condone shaming anyone. I froze because it caught me by surprise because it’s my debut. I wish I’d stepped in sooner. She didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves it. Everyone deserves respect, no matter who we are. I’m sorry again.”
Hi everyone, My silence did not mean I condone shaming anyone. I froze because it caught me by surprise because it’s my debut. I wish I had started sooner. She didn’t deserve that. No one does. Everyone deserves respect, no matter who we are. I’m sorry again. https://t.co/St1bTk4pbH
— Aditya Madhavan (@adityamadhav01) November 6, 2025
In an official statement, the Chennai Press Club also joined the controversy, notably describing the person in question as a “YouTuber” rather than a journalist. “Chennai Press Club strongly condemns the behavior of a YouTuber who asked actress Gouri Kishan an inappropriate question about her body weight during a press conference for the film Others,” it said in a statement. “To ask questions aimed at mocking or humiliating an artist because of her physical appearance, especially in a professional forum meant to discuss a film, is highly unethical, indecent and reprehensible.” The body further praised Gouri for her poise and assertiveness, stating, “We appreciate actress Gouri Kishan for voicing her objections expressively and courageously even in the face of collective backlash.”
Meanwhile, the South Indian Artists 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 initiate necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future.”
“We strongly condemn the incident that happened to our sister yesterday. We will take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
M. Nasser
President#STSAAaaah@VishalKOfficial@Karthi_Offl@PoochiMurugan@karunaasethupic.twitter.com/W5MnOrZdB4
— nadigarsangam pr news (@siaaprnews) November 7, 2025
While some journalists defended the exchange by calling it “reckless”, Gouri dismissed such claims: “I didn’t find it funny. It’s about respect.” She later remarked, “I haven’t been asked a single question about my physique or preparation – only my body. Would you ask the same of a male actor?”
The 26-year-old actor, known for his roles in 96, Karnan and Ulagammai, has since received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. Her film Others was released in theaters on November 7, while her next project Love Insurance Kompany hits the screens on December 18.
Published – 07 Nov 2025 14:43 IST
