Hardik Pandya issues strong message to paparazzi over Mahieka Sharma photo incident

MUMBAI: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has strongly reacted after private photos of his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma were taken without permission. Paparazzi captured the images while the couple was leaving a restaurant in Mumbai, invading Mahieka’s privacy. The photos later spread widely on social media, which angered the star all-rounder.

Hardik responded through an Instagram note, criticising the media for taking inappropriate pictures of his girlfriend. He said such actions have crossed all limits and that the media should show some basic respect and decency. Hardik added that people should learn to respect the dignity of women.

He also urged the media to behave responsibly and not cross the boundaries of privacy. 'Mahieka was simply walking down a staircase at a Bandra restaurant when paparazzi decided to capture her from an angle that no woman deserves to be photographed from. A private moment was turned into cheap sensationalism. This isn't about headlines or who clicked what, it's about basic respect. Women deserve dignity. Everyone deserves boundaries. To the media brothers who work hard every day: I respect your hustle, and I always cooperate. But I'm requesting you all, please be a little more mindful,' Hardik wrote.

Hardik further requested the media to be more careful. 'Not everything needs to be captured. Not every angle needs to be taken. Let's keep some humanity in this game,' he added.