Actor Preity Zinta has criticised intrusive paparazzi culture, saying photographers crossing personal boundaries and trying to capture images of her children feels "scary". She said photos of her children are "non negotiable".
The actor made the remarks during a recent AMA session on X after being asked whether she would choose fame, privacy or peace of mind. Her response offered a clear view of how she now manages public life while protecting her family.
Zinta said she does not see the issue as a sacrifice but as part of balancing expectations. She added that she values fan interactions but believes limits are necessary with both people and the media.
Balance First
"Nothing is a sacrifice.... I have learnt to accept things the way they are & manage expectations. Now life is a big balancing act for me because I'm a very private person. I do love interacting with my fans & not disappointing anyone by giving them pictures but at the same time one has to set boundaries with people & the media," she wrote.
She said she is usually happy to take pictures when approached respectfully, unless she is rushing for a flight or visiting a temple.
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Clear Line
"I don't like it when people or media try to take photographs of my children (that's non negotiable ) & take pictures of me without asking cuz when anyone asks, I always say yes unless I'm in a rush to catch a plane or when i'm in a temple. I also don't like paparazzi following me around & jumping at me out of nowhere. Sometimes it's scary. I know a lot of the current crop of actors invite the paparazzi to come & photograph them and I do understand their need to constantly be in the news, but it's not how I operate, so it is a bit unnerving," she said.
She added that photographers at organised events are part of the industry, but following celebrities into private spaces goes too far.
What Next
"I'm absolutely ok with them at events ( cuz it their job) but when they show up outside my gym or hide outside my building it's a bit too much. I'm also human & I need to stay grounded and have my downtime ! Having said that I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have and the fact that people love me so I'm not complaining, just being honest about how I feel," she said.
On the work front, Zinta is preparing for Lahore 1947 alongside Sunny Deol. The film is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan under Aamir Khan Productions.
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