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Actor Gouri Kishan recently drew widespread praise for standing up to a YouTuber who made an inappropriate remark about her weight during a promotional event for her upcoming film Others. The incident, which took place in the presence of her director, and co-star Aditya Madhavan, has reignited conversations around body-shaming and sexism in the film industry. In an interview with NDTV, Gouri shared that she felt “constantly attacked by a room full of men,” noting that no one stepped in to support her in that moment.
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“When it first happened last week, I went into survival mode and froze. By the time I processed it, it was over,” she said, adding, “But I regretted not speaking up—not for myself, but because I didn’t want it to happen to another actress. It’s not an easy industry to be in.”
Gouri Kishan explained that during a later press meet, she decided to break her silence.
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“Some members of the press think they can ask whatever they want, with no regard for respect or boundaries. I carried a lot of regret and anger for not speaking up earlier. So, when I was asked about it again, I candidly spoke about it. The same person—who I refuse to call a journalist, because he’s a YouTuber claiming 35 years of experience—attacked me again,” she said.
The actress expressed her frustration at how the question wasn’t even directed at her but was used to make a demeaning remark.
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“He first addressed my co-star and then the director—as if I wasn’t even worthy of being spoken to. When I called it out, he got offended and tried to gaslight me, saying I misunderstood him because it was in Tamil and I am not from Tamil Nadu. I have lived here for 22 years. I was fluent in Tamil. It wasn’t a joke. It was not funny.”
Also Read | Gouri Kishan calls out sexist question from media on her weight; gets Pa Ranjith, Kushboo Sundar, Chinmayi Sripaada’s support: ‘Don’t need your validation’
Describing the atmosphere in the room, Gouri Kishan said, “It went on for quite some time. I was constantly attacked by a room full of men. It was extremely unpleasant. Usually, when I’m angry, I cry or stammer. But this time, I didn’t. Some strength came over me.”
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When asked about her co-star and director remaining silent during the confrontation, Gouri said, “I don’t think anyone needs someone else to speak for them. But maybe, if the director had addressed it and ended the discussion there, it could have been avoided. Still, this is the first project for both my co-star Aditya Madhavan and the director, so I don’t hold grudges.”
She added, “Nobody even asked me about my film. Some journalists just believe they are superior.”
Aditya Madhavan, who was also present in the NDTV interview, later admitted, “Now that she’s mentioned it, I truly regret not speaking up at that moment. I wish I had.”
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Gouri ended the conversation with a message for young women: “I urge young girls to speak up for themselves and call out the toxicity that normalizes such behavior. Nobody has the right to comment on someone else’s body. I’ve received incredible support from the industry and across the country.”
