Hardik Pandya has set social media on fire by openly criticizing the paparazzi and a section of the media after his girlfriend Mahika Sharma’s pictures and videos went viral on social media. Hardik Pandya said that the paparazzi have crossed a line with their unacceptable and deeply intrusive act.
The Indian all-rounder, who is used to being in the limelight over the years, was really upset over a disturbing incident that happened with the paparazzi and his girlfriend on Monday (December 8) night, saying that fame does not give anyone the right to cross the limits of dignity.
Hardik Pandya criticizes paparazzi over objectionable pictures of girlfriend Maheeka Sharma
The controversy started when Maheeka Sharma was quietly walking down the stairs of a restaurant in Bandra. Sadly, the photographers chose an angle that Pandya described as “no woman deserves to be photographed.”
Also Read: South Africa Playing XI vs India – 1st T20 Match, South Africa Tour of India 2025
The private moment soon turned into what the star Indian all-rounder called “cheap sensationalism”, forcing him to speak out publicly. Pandya has emphasized that the situation was not about headlines, popularity or the pressure of being the first to break the news, but was about basic respect and reminding everyone to respect human boundaries.
She emphasized that women deserve respect 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, saying, “There’s no need to capture everything. There’s no need to take every angle.”
‘A private moment was turned into a cheap sensation’
Hardik Pandya posted on his Instagram Story on Tuesday, December 9: “I understand that being 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. Mahika was just walking down the stairs of a restaurant in Bandra when the paparazzi decided to capture her from an angle no woman deserves to be photographed from. Turn a private moment into affordable sensationalism Was changed.”
Also read: After dominating domestic cricket, Prithvi Shaw is eyeing a fresh IPL start in 2026
The Indian star further added, “It’s not about headlines or who clicked what; it’s about basic respect. Women deserve respect. Everyone deserves boundaries. To the media brothers who work hard every day: I respect your enthusiasm, and I always cooperate. But I’m requesting all of you, please be a little more careful. There is no need to capture everything. There is no need to take every angle. Let’s bring something into this game.” Keep humanity. Thank you.”
Hardik Pandya will return to India with South Africa T20
As he prepares to make a comeback to the international arena with the upcoming five-match T20 series against South Africa starting December 9 in Cuttack, Hardik made a strong comment on his personal life. This will mark Hardik’s return to national colors after almost two months.
The Indian all-rounder was out of the team due to a quadriceps injury suffered during the Asia Cup in September. While working on his recovery, Hardik’s personal life became the talk of the town when he confirmed his new relationship with model and yoga trainer Maheeka Sharma.
They made their relationship official in October 2025 by sharing warm pictures and videos while enjoying a beach vacation and recently attending a peaceful puja ceremony.
