Actor Gouri Kishan has found herself at the centre of online conversations after a clip of her fiery exchange with a male journalist went viral for all the right reasons. During a press meet for the release of her film Others on November 7, the Tamil actor doubled down on a reporter’s intrusive question about her weight. The incident, which unfolded in front of her co-stars, has sparked widespread discussion on gender bias and respect in media interactions.
In the video, Gouri is seen confronting the journalist, who had initially directed his question about her weight to co-star Aditya Madhavan. Reports allege that the question was with respect to a scene from the film where Aditya lifts Gouri. During the press meet, the journalist attempted to justify his query — prompting Gouri to respond in Tamil, saying, “How does my weight concern you in any way? How does it matter and be relevant to the film? My weight is my choice, and it does not concern my talent. I can only speak through my films, and I am working hard. I have chosen characters that are career-oriented.”
As the film’s team tried to calm her down, Gouri rightful said, “I have a point to make here, and everyone is silencing me,” she asserted, continuing her stand. Furthermore, Aditya remained silent but later released a statement saying, “Hi to all, My Silence didn’t mean i approve body shaming of anyone. I froze because it caught me off guard as it is my debut. I wish I’d stepped in sooner. She didn’t deserve that. No one does. Everyone deserves respect, regardless of who we are. I apologise once again.”
Speaking to Manorama News later, 26-year-old Gouri revealed that the same journalist had asked her a similar question during an earlier interaction, and she had regretted not speaking up then. This time, she decided to address it head-on — even if it meant standing alone.
“I’m not sure if it’s some kind of male ego that prompts questions about a heroine’s weight,” Gouri said. “The director has every right to discuss my weight with me, but what business is it of the vlogger’s? A woman’s body is complex, shaped by hormonal imbalances, and without knowing about my medical condition, who is he to comment on my weight?”
Netizens react
Her unapologetic response has since earned widespread praise online. Journalist Dhanya Rajendran shared the video on her social media and many young women from across the industry showed up in the comment section. “You stood tall in a room full of noise — calm, clear and unshaken. That’s real courage. It’s heartbreaking that grace and dignity are still tested this way, but you turned that moment into strength. So much respect and pride 🤍👏🔥 More Power to you dear❤️,” was one comment on Instagram. Another comment read, “THE AUDACITY! And how gracefully she handled this 🔥.” Another comment claimed, “Your poise and calm is fire. So proud of you for standing up for yourself. Unfortunately petty men passing off as journalists will never understand professionalism. I wish your co-actors/director would speak up too.”
About Gouri Kishan
Gouri, who made her acting debut at 18 playing the younger version of Trisha’s character in ‘96 (2018), has gone on to appear in films like Karnan (2021), Ulagammai (2023), and Boat (2024). Her latest film, Others, released on November 7. She will next be seen in Love Insurance Kompany, co-starring Pradeep Ranganathan, S.J. Suryah, and Krithi Shetty, which hits screens on December 18.
