Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has slammed paparazzi culture after a video of his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma surfaced online, describing it as disturbing and disrespectful. The cricketer took to Instagram to express her disappointment that photographers “crossed the line” when they snapped her outside a Bandra restaurant.
“A private moment turned into cheap sensationalism”
In a strongly worded note, Hardik acknowledged that public attention comes with his profession, but demanded that his dignity not be compromised for the sake of sensational visual effects.
“Mahieka was just walking down the stairs when the paps decided to capture her from an angle no woman deserves to be photographed from,” he wrote. “A private moment turned into cheap sensationalism.”
He further appealed to media photographers to show sensitivity when covering celebrities.
“This isn’t about headlines or who clicked on what – it’s about basic respect. Women deserve dignity. Everyone deserves boundaries,” he added, reiterating that he has always cooperated with the media on and off the field.
Hardik and Mahieka’s relationship
Hardik recently confirmed his relationship with Mahieka Sharma, a model and yoga trainer, after months of speculation. The couple went public with their relationship around the cricketer’s 32nd birthday, sharing glimpses of a private beach holiday and festive celebrations.
Mahieka, 24, has built a career in fashion and modeling, while fans have already started accepting the duo as one of cricket’s newest celebrity couples. She recently dismissed engagement rumors sparked by a ring in her photos, joking that she just enjoys “wearing nice jewelry every day.”
Before confirming his relationship with Mahieka Sharma, Hardik Pandya was briefly linked to British singer Jasmin Walia. She has been spotted cheering on cricketers during matches and was even photographed on the Mumbai Indians team bus after an IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the two eventually seemed to grow apart and later unfollowed each other on social media.
Hardik was previously married to actress-model Nataša Stanković. The couple announced their split last year in a joint statement, saying they had separated “after four years of being together” and that they had “put everything into it” before deciding what was in the best interests of both of them. They continue to co-parent their son Agastya.
