Paparazzi put on notice: Karnataka Film Chamber acts after Sapthami Gowda flags indecent filming of actresses

Lights, camera… and a warning shot from the film industry. The Karnataka film world has drawn a line after a controversy over how female actors are photographed at public events.

The issue first gained attention when Sapthami Gowda spoke openly about an uncomfortable trend she noticed at public events. The actor said photographers were capturing photos and videos of female artistes from objectionable angles and then circulating them online.

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Her comments triggered widespread concern in the industry. Soon, fellow actor Dhananjaya also backed the complaint by pointing out that many women attending film events had faced similar situations.

Film chamber steps in with emergency meeting

ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ನಟಿಯರನ್ನು ಅಶ್ಲೀಲವಾಗಿ ಚಿತ್ರೀಕರಿಸುವವರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಕಠಿಣ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳುವ ಕುರಿತು ಇಂದು @kfcc_officialಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಮತ್ತು ಪದಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಟಿಯರಾದ ಶೃತಿ, ಮಾಳವಿಕಾ ಅವಿನಾಶ್, ಸಪ್ತಮಿ ಗೌಡ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರರು ಸಭೆ ನಡೆಸಿ ಹಲವು ಪ್ರಮುಖ ನಿರ್ಧಾರಗಳನ್ನು ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡರು.@gowda_sapthami pic.twitter.com/lx7EjuYsNs

— Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce (@kfcc_official) March 9, 2026

Responding to growing concern, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce called for meeting on March 9.

The discussion was led by chamber president Jayamala and involved Central Mediation Committee along with representatives from the film fraternity. Artists, digital media members, public relations professionals also attended.

The meeting followed a formal written complaint submitted by Sapthami Gowda and Dhananjaya. In the complaint, they highlighted how certain photographers and online content creators were filming female artistes at film and public events in ways they described as indecent and humiliating.

Industry members present at the meeting discussed the issue at length and examined possible solutions.

Strict warning issued to paparazzi and content creators

After the discussion, the Chamber made its stance very clear. Such incidents, it said, should not happen again.

The body warned that if similar behaviour is reported in the future, those responsible for allowing media access at events, including event publicists, would also be held accountable.

The Chamber further stated that repeat incidents could lead to formal complaints being filed with cybercrime authorities, potentially resulting in legal action.

Digital media representatives promise change

During the meeting, representatives from digital media platforms and the PRO community addressed the concerns raised by the Chamber and actors.

According to the official statement released after the meeting, both groups assured the Chamber that objectionable photos and videos would no longer be uploaded in the future.

The assurance was welcomed by members of the film fraternity who attended the discussion.

Existing objectionable content removed

The digital media and public relations representatives also took immediate steps regarding previously uploaded material.

As per the Chamber’s summary of the meeting, they confirmed that objectionable photos and videos that had already been posted online were removed. The move was intended to reduce further embarrassment or discomfort for the actors involved.

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