In the world of cinema, press meets are meant to be a space for healthy interaction between the film fraternity and the media. However, recent events have shown a disturbing shift, with several press meets becoming viral for the wrong reasons—awkward, offensive, or even humiliating questions directed at actors.
A clear example of this happened during the DJ Tillu promotions, where Neha Shetty was subjected to a questionable remark that went viral, overshadowing the movie itself. More recently, during the Telusu Kadha movie event, a lady journalist stunned everyone by bluntly asking actor Siddhu Jonnalagadda if he was a “womanizer” in real life—clearly crossing the line of professionalism.
Sadly, this wasn’t a one-off case. The same journalist previously targeted Tamil actor Pradeep Ranganathan, questioning if he was “hero material,” which sparked unnecessary negativity even in Tamil Nadu. These instances are not just unethical, but also show how press platforms are sometimes being misused for attention-grabbing soundbites rather than meaningful dialogue.
This growing discomfort has led to a drastic shift—cameras at events now avoid showing the journalist crowd, focusing solely on the stage. While it may seem like a snub to the media, it’s a defensive move by filmmakers tired of dealing with unwarranted controversies.
Actors and filmmakers attend these events to promote their work and engage with audiences, not to be publicly embarrassed or interrogated in ways that damage their dignity. A mutual respect is essential between media and artists—each depends on the other, but that doesn’t give either side a license to cross boundaries.
Recently, Manchu Lakshmi penned an open letter expressing her pain after an uncomfortable interview, which eventually ended with an apology. That incident should serve as a reminder: decency and dignity must prevail, no matter the platform.
As we move forward, it’s important for media personnel to reassess their approach. Celebrities are not immune to discomfort or emotional strain. A little caution, empathy, and professional courtesy can ensure that press meets return to being respectful, informative, and positive spaces for both the film team and the audience.
