Tamil actor Gouri Kishan has won widespread praise after confronting a journalist who asked a sexist question about her weight during a press conference for her new film Others in Chennai. The incident, captured on video and circulated widely online, shows Gouri rejecting the inappropriate question, which she called “irrelevant and disrespectful.”
The controversy began when a reporter asked Gouri’s co-star, Aditya Madhavan, whether it was difficult to lift her during a scene, citing her “weight.” Gouri intervened, saying in Tamil, “How does my weight concern you? How is that relevant to the film? My weight is my choice—it does not define my talent.”
When the journalist attempted to justify his question, Gouri continued, “Every woman has a different body type. Stop normalising body-shaming. I have worked hard on character-driven films. I don’t need your validation.” As publicists tried to calm the situation, she added, “I have a point to make here, and everyone is silencing me.”
The exchange prompted outrage across the Tamil film fraternity. Director Pa Ranjith condemned the reporter’s behaviour, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “@Gourayy more power to you. That female actors still face such indecent questions shows how far Thamizh cinema has yet to go.”
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar also criticised the reporter’s conduct, writing, “How much a woman weighs is none of their business. Asking the hero about it? What a shame! Kudos to Gouri for standing her ground.”
Actor Kavin, who co-starred with Gouri in Dada, added, “Inside and out, you’re beautiful and inspiring, Gouri.”
While some defended the journalist by calling the exchange “light-hearted,” Gouri dismissed such claims: “I did not find it funny. It’s about respect.” She later remarked, “I haven’t been asked a single question about my character or my preparation — only about my body. Would you ask the same of a male actor?”
The 26-year-old actor, known for roles in 96, Karnan, and Ulagammai, has since received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. Her film Others released in theatres on November 7, while her next project, Love Insurance Kompany, hits screens on December 18.