Actor Sapthami Gowda, who gained nationwide recognition with Kantara, has strongly criticised paparazzi for filming female actors from what she described as “inappropriate angles” during public appearances.
In a detailed note shared on Instagram Stories, Sapthami addressed what she called a recurring and troubling pattern — cameras zooming in on women’s bodies instead of focusing on their work.
She wrote that such behaviour by “a few individuals” is disrespectful and unacceptable, adding that female actors are present at events for their craft and cinema, not to be objectified.
“Deliberate zoom-ins and inappropriate angles are clear violations of dignity and will not be normalized or tolerated,” she stated, urging media professionals to maintain basic decency and professionalism.
She concluded her message with solidarity for women who have faced similar experiences and signed off with the hashtag “actors not objects.”
A Broader Industry Concern
Sapthami’s remarks add to a wider conversation within the film industry. Several actors, including Janhvi Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Zareen Khan, Nora Fatehi, and Ayesha Khan, have previously raised concerns about similar treatment.
Janhvi Kapoor on Sensational Thumbnails
In an earlier interaction, Janhvi Kapoor acknowledged having a cordial relationship with paparazzi but admitted she has become increasingly conscious of how she is photographed. She noted that while regular videos may be neutral, thumbnails often highlight “the wrong angle” for clickbait value, particularly when the subject is a woman.
She revealed that constant scrutiny has impacted her confidence in public spaces, saying she sometimes feels anxious about being captured from unflattering or suggestive perspectives.
Janhvi also recalled instances where photographers would ask her to wave goodbye, only to capture images from behind — something she later realised contributed to unwanted narratives online.
Mrunal Thakur’s Experience
Mrunal Thakur similarly shared her discomfort in an interview with iDiva. She mentioned how her parents felt uneasy seeing certain photos of her, regardless of how conservatively she dressed.
Mrunal said she eventually had a direct conversation with photographers, asking them to respect her identity and personal dignity. She expressed relief that some professionals understood her concerns, while also questioning why more actors do not openly address the issue.
Sapthami Gowda’s Career Journey
Sapthami began her acting career with filmmaker Duniya Suri’s Popcorn Monkey Tiger. However, it was her performance in Kantara, directed by Rishab Shetty, that brought her widespread acclaim.
She later appeared in The Vaccine War, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, as well as the Kannada film Yuva. Most recently, she was seen in The Rise of Ashoka opposite Sathish Ninasam.
As conversations around media ethics and representation continue, Sapthami’s statement underscores growing calls within the industry for accountability and respectful coverage.
