Hardik Pandya calls out “Cheap Sensationalism” by paparazzi after private moment of GF Mahieka Sharma goes viral
Published - 09 Dec 2025, 03:22 PM
Table of Contents
Hardik Pandya has set social media on fire by openly criticizing a section of paparazzi and media after photos and videos of his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, went viral on social media. Hardik Pandya said that the paparazzi had crossed a line with their unacceptable and deeply intrusive act.
The Indian all-rounder, who has been used to being in the spotlight for years, was really upset with a disturbing incident involving paparazzi and his girlfriend on Monday (December 8) night, saying that fame does not give anyone the right to cross limits of dignity.
Hardik Pandya slams paparazzi over intrusive photos of girlfriend Mahieka Sharma
The controversy began when Mahieka Sharma was quietly walking down a staircase at a Bandra restaurant. Sadly, photographers chose an angle that Pandya described as something “no woman deserves to be photographed from.”
Read Also: South Africa Playing XI vs India- 1st T20I, South Africa Tour of India 2025
The private moment quickly turned into what the star Indian all-rounder called “cheap sensationalism,” forcing him to speak up publicly. Pandya has stressed that this situation was not about headlines, popularity, or the pressure to break news first, but this was about basic respect and reminded everyone of respecting human boundaries.
View this post on Instagram
He insisted that women deserve dignity at all times regardless of their public status. Despite being upset, Hardik avoided any harsh tone against the photographers. He acknowledged their difficult work and the constant pressure they face, but he urged them to be more thoughtful and careful by saying, “Not everything needs to be captured. Not every angle needs to be taken.”
'A private moment was turned into cheap sensationalism'
Hardik Pandya posted on his Instagram story on Tuesday, December 9: “I understand that living in the public eye comes with attention and scrutiny; it's part of the life I've chosen. But today something happened that crossed a line. 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.”
Read Also: Prithvi Shaw eyes fresh IPL start in 2026 after dominance in domestic cricket
The Indian star continued, “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. Not everything needs to be captured. Not every angle needs to be taken. Let's keep some humanity in this game. Thank you.”
Hardik Pandya to make Indis return with South Africa T20Is
Hardik reacted strongly to his personal life while preparing for his international comeback with the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting on December 9 in Cuttack. This will mark Hardik’s return in the national colors after almost two months.
The Indian all-rounder was out of action with a quadriceps injury that he picked up during the Asia Cup in September. While working on his recovery, Hardik’s personal life became a talking point when he confirmed his new relationship with model and yoga trainer Mahieka Sharma.
He made his relationship official in October 2025 by sharing warm photos and videos of them enjoying a beach holiday and taking part in a peaceful puja ceremony recently.
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ...
