“Let's keep some humanity…” - Hardik Pandya’s strong message to media over inappropriate photos of Mahieka Sharma

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return in Indian colours went as planned as India crushed South Africa in the first T20I of the five-match home series in Cuttack. Hardik won the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 59 and also took one wicket.

But, before the match, Hardik hit the headlines by posting a strong message to media professionals and paparazzi on Instagram. He slammed them for clicking pictures of his new girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, from inappropriate angles.

"I understand that living 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. Mahieka was simply walking down a staircase at a Bandra restaurant when paps decided to capture her from an angle that no woman deserves to be photographed from. A private moment was turned into cheap sensationalism," Hardik wrote.

He urged the media to be more careful and to keep some humanity in such moments.

"This isn't about headlines or who clicked what, it's about basic respect. Women deserve dignity. Everyone deserves boundaries. To the media brothers who work hard every day: I respect your hustle, and I always cooperate. But I'm requesting you all, please be a little more mindful. Not everything needs to be captured. Not every angle needs to be taken. Let's keep some humanity in this game. Thank you," he concluded.

“The last six-seven months have been great from my fitness point of view.” - Hardik

In October this year, Hardik confirmed his relationship with Mahieka. Since then, the two have shared numerous photos and videos on social media, particularly on Instagram. On December 9, all eyes were on Hardik’s fitness as he returned after suffering a quadricep injury during the Asia Cup. 

After winning the Player of the Match award, he spoke about his recovery in the post-match presentation and said: “The last six-seven months have been great from my fitness point of view. These last 50 days, being away from loved ones, being at NCA, making sure that all these things are covered. It was satisfying when you come here, the results come like this.”

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