When Silence Speaks Louder

The Gouri Kishan Incident and the Culture of Body Shaming in India; Where Men Instigate, Women Endure, and Society Looks Away

At a recent press event for an upcoming movie, a YouTuber asked the lead male actor a question framed as casual and factual: “You lifted Gouri Kishan, how much does she weigh?” This question reduced the lead actress to an object, evaluated solely by her physical appearance rather than her talent or professional contributions. The room fell silent in defense; instead, the question sparked laughter, leaving Gouri momentarily speechless.

At a follow-up press meet, with the same YouTuber present, Gouri immediately pushed back—asking how her weight was relevant to the film, emphasizing that women come in all shapes and sizes, and insisting her work, not her body, should be the focus. For over 10-12 minutes, she defended her basic right to bodily autonomy and professional respect before a room full of social media influencers whose reviews hold significant sway over a film’s success. The packed audience recorded the incident on their smartphones, but her co-star, director, and team on stage remained silent. The lack of support from those closest to her, and the quiet watchfulness of the room, spoke volumes about the broader culture of indifference she was confronting.

As I watched the social media clips replay repeatedly over the past several weeks—clips that captured national attention—one moment stood out above all, reminding me of how deeply entrenched patriarchy, male ego, and family hierarchies continue to silence women and chastise men in South India.

It was the expression on Gouri Kishan’s face, vividly captured on camera, that spoke volumes to me: an extraordinary blend of helplessness and fierce courage.