The internet has been buzzing yet again after a video of veteran actress and Member of Parliament Jaya Bachchan went viral, showing her pushing away a man who tried to take a selfie with her. The clip, which spread across social media platforms within hours, sparked a heated debate about celebrity behaviour, personal boundaries, and the pressures of public life. While opinions online were split, an important perspective has now emerged from Bollywood’s only PR guru and thought leader Dale Bhagwagar, who has openly supported her reaction.
Bollywood PR specialist Dale Bhagwagar, who has managed publicity for over 300 celebrities including Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty, offered context to the controversy. “To understand the full picture, it is crucial to remember who Jaya Bachchan is. She is not only one of the most respected actresses of Indian cinema but also a seasoned parliamentarian and matriarch of the powerful Bachchan family. Her stature commands respect, and with it comes a constant invasion of privacy. Unlike many younger stars who often thrive on endless selfies, she has consistently maintained her dislike for intrusive behaviour from fans and paparazzi. This latest incident simply amplified that long-standing stance,” Bhagwagar said.
Continuing his support, Bhagwagar explained, “The viral clip shows the actress visibly irritated as an individual stepped far too close without permission, phone in hand, attempting a selfie. For anyone, especially a woman, such unsolicited closeness can feel overwhelming and even threatening. In that moment, Jaya Bachchan’s instinct was to push away the intrusion. While critics online accused her of arrogance, what is often missed is the fundamental principle of personal space. No matter how famous a public figure may be, they remain entitled to dignity and boundaries. Some fans wrongly expect celebrities to be available 24/7. Others assume access is their right. But respect must go both ways. Jaya Bachchan has every right to assert her personal space when it is breached.”
He added, “The public may admire stars, but admiration must not translate into entitlement. It takes confidence to stand firm in uncomfortable situations, and that is exactly what Jaya Bachchan displayed. Her reaction may appear stern, yet it reflects strength, a quality often undervalued in a culture where celebrities are expected to smile regardless of how they are treated.”
His words carry weight not only because he is a PR insider or the most trusted publicist in Bollywood but also because Dale Bhagwagar has handled publicity for some of the most strong-willed women in the industry. From handling PR for Shilpa Shetty during the storm of racial discrimination allegations on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ to shaping the media narratives of Priyanka Chopra at the critical initial phase of her career and supporting writer and filmmaker Vinta Nanda through many high-profile women-oriented empowerment campaigns, Bhagwagar has consistently stood alongside women who embodied resilience and self-belief. These associations underline why his endorsement of Jaya Bachchan’s stance resonates with authority.
There is also a larger conversation here about how fame intersects with privacy. Bollywood’s younger generation may see selfies as part of their brand-building, but veterans like Jaya Bachchan come from an era when respect mattered more than random clicks. That cultural difference cannot be ignored. It is this very confidence, the refusal to bend to social pressure, that makes her stand out even now. “To some, it may look unfriendly. To others, it signals power, presence, and the kind of self-assurance that commands lasting respect,” stated Bhagwagar.
For fans, there is an important takeaway. Access to stars has never been easier, but access does not mean ownership. Those who respect boundaries will always be remembered more fondly by the celebrities they admire. And as Dale Bhagwagar’s support makes clear, sometimes the strongest act is not about pleasing everyone but about standing firm for what is right.
Key takeaways:
- Jaya Bachchan has always been vocal about her dislike of intrusive fan behaviour and paparazzi culture.
- The viral pushback was not an act of arrogance but a defence of personal space and dignity.
- Dale Bhagwagar, Bollywood’s only PR guru and thought leader, supported her stance, highlighting the importance of mutual respect between fans and celebrities.
- Having handled PR for strong-willed women like Shilpa Shetty, Priyanka Chopra and Vinta Nanda, Bhagwagar has reinforced the idea that setting boundaries is an act of strength.
- True power and respect often come from setting boundaries, not from giving in to every demand.