"Today, something happened that crossed a line."
Hardik Pandya has criticised a section of paparazzi after photographs and videos of his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma surfaced online, prompting him to urge media personnel to respect personal space.
The India all-rounder expressed disappointment over what he described as an unacceptable invasion of privacy after images of Mahieka leaving a Mumbai restaurant went viral.
His note sparked widespread conversation among fans who questioned the increasing intrusion faced by public figures and their families.
The strongly worded message highlighted Hardik’s frustration as he addressed the treatment of women in highly public environments.
His response also reflected a growing concern about the blurred boundaries between public interest and personal dignity.
The cricketer addressed the issue through an Instagram story on December 9, where he called out photographers for crossing a line.
He said living in the public eye naturally attracts scrutiny but insisted certain moments involving women should be handled with dignity and restraint.
Hardik explained that the situation stemmed from Mahieka being photographed in a manner he believed was deeply disrespectful.
He said the filming turned an ordinary outing into what he described as cheap sensationalism.
Hardik explained that Mahieka was simply walking down a staircase at a Bandra restaurant when paparazzi captured her from an angle he felt no woman deserved.
He said a private moment had been turned into content that prioritised clicks over humanity.
The cricketer reminded followers that his concern was not about headlines but about basic respect.
He emphasised that every individual deserved dignity and personal boundaries regardless of their association with public figures.
His message resonated widely as many social media users criticised the excessive attention placed on Mahieka’s outing.
Hardik also addressed media professionals directly and acknowledged the hard work of photographers who cover the entertainment and sports industry.
He said he respected their hustle and often cooperated during public appearances.
However, he urged them to be more mindful when capturing moments involving women in vulnerable positions.
A video of photographers trailing Mahieka as she exited the Mumbai restaurant circulated widely on December 9 and sparked speculation online.
The footage showed Mahieka walking towards her car while paparazzi followed closely, breaching her space.
Mahieka has quickly become a subject of public interest due to her rising profile as a fashion model.
Her Instagram bio highlights achievements, including IFA Model of the Year, GQ Best Dressed, India’s Next Supermodel, and Elle Model of the Season.
Reports suggest she studied economics and finance before transitioning into the fashion industry.
Hardik’s appearance with Mahieka Sharma came months after his amicable separation from his former wife, Natasha Stankovic.
Their divorce in 2024 attracted considerable attention, with the cricketer speaking openly about the mutual understanding behind the split.
He said they remained committed to co-parenting their son Agastya despite the end of their marriage.
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