July 8, 2025 — Actor and former Bigg Boss 7 winner Gauahar Khan has publicly criticized paparazzi for their inappropriate behavior toward actress Pragya Jaiswal at Zayed Khan’s birthday bash in Mumbai on July 5, 2025. In a viral video, Jaiswal, who is reportedly pregnant, was visibly uncomfortable as photographers hooted her name and made lewd noises while she posed for pictures. Khan, known for her outspoken stance on social issues, took to her Instagram Story to condemn the incident, writing, “Aren’t the paps encouraging eve-teasing culture? Lines can’t be crossed. I think this needs to be called out.”
The incident occurred when Jaiswal, dressed in a black bodycon dress, was leaving the event. As she walked away after posing, paparazzi continued to shout her name and make inappropriate remarks, prompting Khan’s sharp response. Khan, who is herself expecting her second child with husband Zaid Darbar, emphasized the need for respect, noting that while many photographers are professional, such behavior crosses ethical boundaries. She further stated, “It’s not the first time. There are a lot of them who are respectful, but there are also many who constantly make lewd comments.”
Khan’s comments sparked a wave of support from fans and netizens on X, with users like @Realdealdude2 calling her a “queen” for addressing the issue. Others, however, defended the paparazzi, arguing they were simply doing their job to capture attention-grabbing shots. One X user wrote, “They’re just hyping her up, it’s part of the celebrity game,” reflecting the divided sentiment. The incident has reignited discussions about the invasive nature of paparazzi culture in India, particularly toward women in the public eye.
This is not the first time Khan has confronted paparazzi behavior. In June 2024, she urged photographers to be calm and avoid startling her son Zehaan at a birthday party, and in March 2024, she schooled paps at a red-carpet event for their disruptive conduct. Her consistent advocacy for respectful media interactions, especially during her pregnancies, has resonated with many. In 2023, while pregnant with her first child, Khan spoke out against societal judgments on pregnant women, including comments on their appearance and behavior, reinforcing her commitment to supporting women’s autonomy.
Jaiswal, who has yet to comment on the incident, is known for her roles in Telugu films like Kanche and Akhanda. Her reported pregnancy has drawn additional attention, with fans expressing concern over the added stress caused by the paparazzi’s actions. The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in Bollywood regarding media boundaries, particularly toward women navigating public spaces during personal milestones.