'Snobbish elitism': Ashoke Pandit slams Jaya Bachchan's comments on paparazzi
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has criticized veteran actor Jaya Bachchan for her recent remarks about the paparazzi. In a strongly worded social media post, he slammed her description of the paparazzi as "guys who wear tight, dirty drain-pipe pants." Pandit, who is the President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), called her statement elitist, saying it disrespects an entire profession.
'Reeks of snobbish elitism': Pandit's criticism of Bachchan
Pandit said, "Jaya Bachchan ji's statement against the paparazzi reeks of snobbish elitism." He added, "To criticize the aggressive coverage of certain paps is one thing, but to demean the profession altogether...is unbecoming of such a senior member of our film industry and a parliamentarian." He also pointed out that while Bachchan is free to criticize individual behavior, her comments disrespect an entire community.
Pandit defended paparazzi as hardworking professionals
Pandit further defended the paparazzi, saying they are "hardworking professionals doing their job." He added that often, they are called by stars and their PR teams. "So if she has such a strong opinion against the paparazzi culture, it's time to look inwards rather than indulge in this misplaced outrage," he said.
Bachchan's controversial remarks about paparazzi
In a recent interview with Mojo Story, Bachchan had said, "My relationship with the media is fantastic. I'm the product of the media, but my relationship with the paparazzi is zero." She also questioned their behavior and background, saying, "The kind of comments they pass. What kind of people are these people? Where do these people come from? What kind of education do they have?"
Bachchan's long-standing tension with paparazzi
Bachchan has a long-standing tense relationship with the paparazzi. She has often been seen schooling them, refusing to be photographed, or reprimanding them for standing too close or even calling her name at public events. This recent controversy has reignited the debate around celebrity-paparazzi dynamics in Bollywood.