Chennai, 7 Nov

Actor Gouri G Kishan slammed a journalist for asking a derogatory question about her weight during a press conference for the Tamil film ‘Others’ here on 6 November. Her reply went viral, earning her support from numerous personalities.

The Chennai Press Club condemned the behaviour of the journalist who asked an inappropriate question to the actor, who is well known for her work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema.

In the video that went viral, Gouri could be heard asking the man, "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..... It is nothing but body shaming. It's a stupid question on body weight."

Her co-star in the film that was released today, Aditya Madhavan, who was present at the event, later said that his silence didn't mean approval of the body shaming of anyone.

"I froze because it caught me off guard - it's my debut. I wish I'd stepped in sooner. She didn't deserve that. No one does. Everyone deserves respect. I apologise once again," he said in a post on 'X.'

Condemning  the journalist, the South Indian Artists Association said it was "worrying that a few crooked people in the guise of journalism are mocking and humiliating actresses at press conferences."

When the journalist argued with her, Gouri replied, "every woman has a different body type. I will let my talent speak. I have done character-driven films so far. I don't need your validation."

Wondering if he would ask such a question to a male actor, Gouri remarked, "you are objectifying a female actor. This is not journalism. You are a disgrace to your profession."

She also expressed concern that none among those present in the press conference had extended support to her.

As the video went viral, actress Khushbu Sundar, extending support to Gouri said on 'X' "journalism has lost its ground. The so-called journos take journalism to the gutters. How much a woman weighs is none of their business. And asking the hero about it? What a shame."