The conversation around Mumbai’s paparazzi has been unusually lively this week and into this chatter stepped veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha, bringing with him a sense of warmth and humour. He appeared at an event, accompanied by actress Poonam Dhillon, and what could have been a routine event soon turned into a moment everyone in the room appreciated.
As photographers gathered around, Shatrughan Sinha paused to address them with the easy charm he is known for. He playfully commented on how well they dressed, turning what might have been a tense topic into something light and friendly. His good-natured tone instantly lifted the room and Poonam Dhillon responded with a laugh, saying the cheerfulness made it feel as if the new year had already arrived. The exchange showed the affectionate rapport he still shares with the media, despite spending most of his recent years focused on politics rather than films. His last memorable on-screen appearance was a cameo as himself in Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se in 2018, where he joined several industry veterans for a fun sequence.
His gesture came at a time when the paparazzi were still reacting to Jaya Bachchan’s recent comments about their appearance. Known for being vocal about her discomfort with intrusive photography, Jaya had questioned why photographers often dress in dirty pants for public events. In her conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt, she expressed concern over what she felt was a lack of professionalism, mentioning the unkempt clothing and the casual attitude that can accompany phone-camera culture. Her remarks sparked wide debate online, with some supporting the idea of setting standards and others pointing out that the paparazzi work long, unpredictable hours and often prioritise speed over style.
Shatrughan Sinha’s light touch provided a moment of relief, reminding everyone that a little kindness can go a long way, especially in an industry where tensions can rise as quickly as camera flashes.
