In Mumbai, Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has publicly addressed an incident involving his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, and the paparazzi, sparking a nationwide conversation about celebrity privacy and responsible media conduct. The incident occurred on December 9, 2025, after a video of Sharma being photographed at a Bandra restaurant circulated online, drawing criticism for its intrusive nature.

Pandya took to Instagram to voice his disappointment, stating that the paparazzi had "crossed a line" by capturing Sharma from an inappropriate angle as she walked down the stairs of the restaurant. He described the situation as a "private moment turned into cheap sensationalism," emphasizing that "no woman deserves to be photographed from" such a disrespectful perspective. Pandya urged media personnel to exercise sensitivity and respect the dignity of public figures, especially women. He acknowledged that public attention is part of his chosen life but insisted that it should not come at the cost of basic respect and boundaries. "Women deserve dignity. Everyone deserves boundaries," he wrote, appealing to photographers to be more mindful and to "keep some humanity in this game". He also noted that he has always cooperated with the media.

The video in question showed Sharma being closely followed by photographers, with the angle of the footage raising concerns about a lack of sensitivity. The clip quickly gained traction on various social media platforms, prompting Pandya's reaction.

Pandya's strong stance has resonated with many, igniting discussions about the ethical considerations of paparazzi culture and the importance of protecting individuals' privacy. Some fans online flagged the clip, highlighting the uncomfortable angle and raising concerns about the lack of sensitivity displayed. He stressed that fame does not justify a breach of dignity or personal space.

Pandya and Sharma recently made their relationship public in October 2025, sharing glimpses from a beach holiday and festive celebrations. Sharma, a model and yoga trainer, has garnered support from fans who have embraced the couple. Pandya's past relationship with Natasa Stanković ended in separation in 2024, and they are currently co-parenting their son, Agastya.