Salman Khan Warns Paparazzi at IIFA Press Conference, Urges Respect for Women’s Privacy
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again called on paparazzi to show greater respect when photographing celebrities, particularly female actors. At the IIFA press conference in Mumbai on October 22, 2026, the actor reminded photographers to avoid intrusive camera angles and respect personal boundaries while taking pictures.
Salman’s comments renewed a discussion he had raised earlier on Bigg Boss 20, where he criticised photographers for capturing women from angles that could make them uncomfortable. His remarks at the IIFA event reinforced his position that public appearances do not mean celebrities have agreed to every kind of photograph.
The exchange attracted attention because it addressed a familiar part of celebrity culture: the tension between photographers’ pursuit of attention-grabbing images and performers’ right to dignity and privacy.
What Did Salman Khan Say to the Paparazzi?
While posing for photographers at the IIFA press conference, Salman reminded them of his earlier comments about inappropriate photographs. According to reports by The Indian Express and Hindustan Times, he said: “Peechhe ka yaad rakh lena, itni izzat to de hi sakte ho sab log.”
The remark can be understood as a reminder to be mindful of photographs taken from behind and to show celebrities a basic level of respect.
Rather than treating the occasion as an isolated exchange, Salman’s comments were a continuation of his public criticism of intrusive celebrity photography. His message was directed at photographers’ choices about how they frame and capture people, especially when a particular angle may be unwelcome.
The remarks also reflect a distinction between taking photographs at a public event and ignoring the preferences of the people being photographed. Celebrities may pose for cameras and cooperate with media coverage without necessarily consenting to every possible image.
Why Has Salman Khan Criticised Paparazzi Photography Before?
Salman had already discussed the issue during an episode of Bigg Boss 20 in September 2026. During that discussion, he questioned the practice of taking photographs of actresses from behind or focusing on body parts in ways that could be considered intrusive.
He argued that not every actor is comfortable with such images and that photographers should recognise this difference. His criticism focused on the need to respect individual boundaries rather than assuming all celebrities welcome the same type of attention.
The actor also encouraged women who felt uncomfortable with a photograph to speak up. His comments drew further attention to the way celebrity images are captured, circulated and discussed online.
The subject continued to receive coverage in October. In an interview reported by Hindustan Times on October 14, Salman explained that his concern was not about celebrities who willingly arrange publicity appearances. Instead, he said he was speaking up for those who do not want intrusive photographs taken of them.
That distinction is important in a media environment where some public appearances are planned promotional activities, while other images are taken in circumstances where a celebrity may have little control over the camera angles used.
What Happened at the IIFA Press Conference?
Salman attended the IIFA press conference in Mumbai on October 22, ahead of the 27th edition of the International Indian Film Academy Weekend and Awards. During the event, he interacted with photographers and other entertainment-industry personalities.
Media coverage also highlighted his warm reunion with Kareena Kapoor Khan, his interaction with fellow celebrities and his conversations around the upcoming awards event. However, his reminder to paparazzi became one of the most widely discussed moments from the press conference.
The event brought together stars and industry figures to discuss and promote IIFA. Salman’s comments stood out because they returned attention to a debate about professional conduct in celebrity photography, rather than remaining limited to the event’s entertainment announcements.
The remarks were also reported in video-based coverage, helping the exchange circulate beyond those who attended the press conference in person.
What Is IIFA 2027?
The International Indian Film Academy Awards, commonly known as IIFA, is an awards event celebrating achievements in Indian cinema. Its associated weekend includes entertainment-industry appearances, media interactions and promotional activities.
According to Hindustan Times, the 27th edition of IIFA Weekend and Awards is scheduled for January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
The reported programme includes Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday as hosts, with Karan Johar and Manish Paul also associated with the event. Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and other Bollywood performers were among the stars expected to be involved in the programme.
The October press conference in Mumbai was part of the build-up to the upcoming event. Salman’s comments about paparazzi etiquette became a separate talking point alongside the awards announcements and celebrity appearances.
Celebrity Privacy Versus the Public’s Interest
The debate raised by Salman’s comments goes beyond one actor or one press conference. Paparazzi photographs are a major part of entertainment coverage, helping audiences follow celebrity appearances, film promotions and public events. However, the pursuit of striking images can also raise questions about privacy, consent and professional boundaries.
A celebrity attending a public event can reasonably expect to be photographed as part of media coverage. That does not automatically mean every angle or method of photographing them is appropriate. The context of the image, the subject’s expressed preferences and the way the photograph is used can all matter.
Salman’s position, as reported by multiple outlets, is that photographers should be aware that some people are uncomfortable with certain types of images. His comments encourage a more considered approach to covering celebrities, particularly women.
At the same time, the episode illustrates the complex relationship between public figures and entertainment media. Celebrities often rely on publicity to promote films and projects, while photographers and publishers operate in a competitive environment where images can attract significant attention. Respectful coverage requires balancing those interests without treating a person’s discomfort as irrelevant.
Why Salman’s Remarks Have Drawn Attention
Salman is one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars, so his comments on media conduct are likely to attract substantial attention. His repeated criticism has also kept the issue in the public conversation over several weeks, from his Bigg Boss 20 remarks to the IIFA press conference.
The consistency of his message is central to the story. He has argued that photographers should not assume all actors are comfortable with intrusive images and that people’s boundaries deserve consideration even in a public-facing profession.
The comments do not establish that all paparazzi use inappropriate methods. Rather, they highlight a specific practice that Salman has criticised and invite discussion about what respectful celebrity coverage should look like.
For the entertainment industry, the broader question is whether photographers, publicists, celebrities and media outlets can maintain the excitement of celebrity coverage while respecting the people at its centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Salman Khan say at the IIFA press conference?
He reminded paparazzi to remember his earlier concerns about photographs taken from behind and said that photographers could at least show celebrities that level of respect.
Why did Salman Khan criticise paparazzi?
He objected to intrusive camera angles and photographs of female celebrities that may make them uncomfortable. He had raised similar concerns on Bigg Boss 20.
When did the IIFA press conference take place?
The Mumbai press conference took place on October 22, 2026, according to contemporary entertainment reports.
Was Salman Khan speaking against all celebrity photography?
The reports describe his criticism as being directed at intrusive or unwelcome photographs, not every form of celebrity photography or publicity.
When is IIFA 2027 scheduled?
Reports state that IIFA Weekend and Awards is scheduled for January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Conclusion
Salman Khan’s remarks at the October 22 IIFA press conference renewed his call for paparazzi to respect celebrities’ privacy and dignity. By returning to an issue he had previously raised on Bigg Boss 20, the actor highlighted concerns about intrusive photographs and the discomfort they may cause, particularly for female performers.
The exchange has added to a wider conversation about responsible entertainment reporting. While photographing public figures is an established part of celebrity culture, Salman’s message is that media attention should not come at the expense of basic respect.
