Several photojournalists in Mumbai are said to have avoided photographing veteran actor and Member of Parliament Jaya Bachchan at certain public appearances, with some reportedly lowering their cameras or switching off their equipment. Industry sources describe this as an informal, selective coverage boycott by parts of the local photography community.
According to accounts from within the fraternity, the move is a form of silent protest following remarks attributed to Bachchan about photographers’ professionalism, conduct and appearance.
Sources say the tension followed comments she reportedly made at a media forum in Mumbai, where she voiced criticism of contemporary celebrity photography culture. She is reported to have questioned photographers’ training and qualifications and to have said she has no personal relationship with the paparazzi.
She was also reported to have made critical remarks about photographers’ appearance and attire, and to have objected to being photographed without consent.
These remarks reportedly caused frustration among photographers and independent agencies in Mumbai. Members of the community have said, according to reports, that they felt the comments were unfair to professionals who often work long hours in demanding outdoor conditions.
In what sources describe as a collective, informal response, some paparazzi groups are said to have agreed not to photograph Bachchan at public events going forward.
Reports indicate that this approach has also been applied, in some cases, to promotional events involving other members of the Bachchan family. Photographers reportedly declined to photograph her grandson, Agastya Nanda, during recent promotional appearances tied to his film work.
Representatives of the photography community have said they respect public figures’ right to privacy but expect professional courtesy in return, and that the informal camera-down approach reflects an effort to assert their professional standing.