Jaya Bachchan sparked controversy after questioning the paparazzi’s background and education, saying she shares a 'zero' relationship with them and remarking, "Yeh jo bahar drain pipe tight gande-gande pehen kar..." Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit slammed her comments as 'snobbish elitism,' adding that demeaning hardworking paps is 'unbecoming of a senior industry member and parliamentarian.'
Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan recently sparked controversy with her remarks against the paparazzi, questioning their background and education, and stating that she shares a 'zero' relationship with them. Speaking with Barkha Dutt at the We The Women event in Mumbai, Jaya said, "Yeh jo bahar drain pipe tight gande gande pehen pehen kar, haath mein mobile le ke..."
Ashoke Pandit Criticises Jaya Bachchan For Her Remarks Against Paps
Following her comments, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit criticised Jaya Bachchan, accusing her of demeaning the paparazzi and their profession. In a long statement, he wrote, "Jaya Bachchan ji's statement against the paparazzi reeks of snobbish elitism. To criticise the aggressive coverage of certain paps is one thing, but to demean the profession altogether, laced with downright classist remarks, is unbecoming of such a senior member of our film industry and a parliamentarian."

Ashoke Pandit Says Jaya Bachchan Demeaned Paps' Profession
He added how the paps are hardworking professionals doing their job, for which most times they've been called by the stars and their PR teams themselves.
"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," Ashoke.
Jaya Bachchan On Being Most Hated Celebs Online
On being labelled as one of the most hated celebrities online, Jaya stated that she does not give a damn. At the same event, she said, "You hate me; it's your opinion. My opinion is I dislike you immensely because you think you are a chuha (rat) who gets into somebody's house with a mobile camera."
Jaya Bachchan Work Front
On the work front, Jaya will be seen next in Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling, which also stars Wamiqa Gabbi and Siddhant Chaturvedi.
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