Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan unleashed a scathing critique of paparazzi culture during a panel discussion at the ‘We The Women’ event in Mumbai on November 29, 2025, questioning their professionalism and intrusive behavior. Known for her no-nonsense interactions with photographers, Bachchan distinguished between her respect for traditional media and her disdain for paparazzi, calling them untrained interlopers who misrepresent the public. “My relationship with the media is fantastic—I am the product of the media. But my relationship with paparazzi is zero,” she declared, sparking applause from the audience and a viral storm online.
The Outburst: Questioning Credentials and Comments
Bachchan, speaking with journalist Barkha Dutt, lambasted the paparazzi for their lack of training and inappropriate remarks. “Who are these people? Are they trained to represent the people of this country? You call them media? I come from media—my father was a journalist. I have tremendous respect for such people,” she said. She went further, slamming their casual comments: “The kind of comments they pass! What kind of people are these? Kahan se aate hain? Kis tarah ka education hai? Kya background hai? (Where do they come from? What education do they have? What background?) They will represent us? Just because they can get through to YouTube or whatever social platform?”Bachchan also called out young celebrities who allegedly tip off paparazzi for attention, deeming it “embarrassing.” “Agar aapko apna photo nikalne ke liye airport pe camera bulana pade, to phir kya tarah ka celebrity ho aap? (If you need to call a camera at the airport to get your photo taken, then what kind of a celebrity are you?)” she quipped, highlighting the performative aspect of modern fame.
Bachchan’s Long-Standing Frustration with Paparazzi
Bachchan’s remarks echo her past confrontations with photographers, from shoving them away at events to scolding them for invading privacy. In a recent viral video, she was heard saying, “Badtameezi mat karo, muh band rakho” (Don’t be rude, keep your mouth shut) when paps made comments during a shoot. She has often expressed discomfort with the culture, once telling a staffer that she avoids social media because of the hate it attracts. “One of my staff in Delhi said she doesn’t use any social network because I am the most hated person on social media,” Bachchan shared, adding, “I don’t give a damn. You hate me; it’s your opinion, you’re entitled.”
Public Reaction: Applause and Debate
The clip from the event quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and divided opinions. Supporters praised her candor: “Jaya Bachchan saying what we all think—paps need training!” Critics, however, accused her of entitlement. Her words have reignited broader discussions on media ethics and celebrity privacy in an age of constant surveillance.
A Voice for Boundaries
Jaya Bachchan’s paparazzi rant isn’t rage—it’s reckoning. As she calls out the untrained intruders, it thunders: Can candor curb the chaos? Her unfiltered urgency affirms yes, scripting a call for respect in Bollywood’s ceaseless spotlight.
-By Manoj H