Malayalam actress Gouri G Kishan, who addressed a Tamil YouTuber's inappropriate question about her weight, has issued a statement standing up for herself and others facing similar situations, expressing gratitude for challenging this sexist behavior.
Gouri thanked the Nadigar Sangam, AMMA Association, Chennai Press Club, public, and media organizations for their support. She wrote, "During a press conference earlier this week, an unexpectedly tense exchange with a YouTube vlogger brought attention to a broader issue. It is vital to reflect on the artist-media dynamic we want to encourage."
She added that it's a challenge for public figures like her to elude scrutiny, as it’s an unavoidable part of the profession. She wishes the questions were about her work instead of her appearance. "As a public figure, I understand that scrutiny is part of my profession. However, comments or questions - direct or indirect - that target a person's body or appearance are inappropriate in any context."
She also wondered whether male actors get asked such questions in the same aggressive tone. "I hope this will be a reminder to anyone who has felt this way that we are allowed to speak up. We are allowed to express our discomfort, question when wronged, and work towards stopping this cycle," she concluded.
In an earlier statement to Manorama News, Gouri said, “What power does the man have to ask me to lose weight and comment on my weight? Does he know my medical history, gut-related issues, and hormonal issues? Even if I didn't have any of these, each person has a different body type. If it doesn't affect my work, why should anyone make it a problem? No one will ask a man this question. They asked the hero about the film. I don't understand why such bullying and harassment is being normalised. No one asked the man (the YouTube vlogger) to cool down. They asked me to be quiet. I asked them to let me speak. This is unbelievable, ridiculous.”
The incident
During a press meet for her upcoming film, a YouTube vlogger asked Gouri's co-star Aditya Madhavan how much she weighed for a scene that required him to lift her. Gouri immediately responded that the question was disrespectful and demanded an apology. In a now-viral video, the man continued to defend himself despite Gouri calling him out.
Speaking in Tamil, she asked him, “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.”
Instead of allowing her to complete, attempts to pacify her came from some corners, which she also addressed. “I have a point to make here, and everyone is silencing me.”
Fans and fellow actors praised Gouri for the way she dealt with the issue. Netizens said that her reply was a much-needed pushback against sexism in the Tamil film industry.