Controversy erupts as Bhau claims Jaya Bachchan wears “₹150 sarees from Chor Bazaar” while insulting the attire of working-class photographers.
December 24, 2025: Former Bigg Boss contestant and social media influencer Vikas Jayaram Phatak, better known as Hindustani Bhau, has waded into the ongoing “Jaya vs. Paparazzi” war with a trademark fiery outburst. Speaking at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Bhau slammed veteran actress and MP Jaya Bachchan for her recent derogatory remarks regarding the physical appearance and clothing of celebrity photographers.
The “Jaya Prada” Gaffe & Wardrobe Dig
In a video that has since gone viral, Bhau began his critique with a slip of the tongue that left the audience chuckling, before turning aggressive.
The Mistake: “What is her name? Amitabh Bachchan’s wife? Jaya Prada? Oh, Jaya Bachchan…” Bhau said, momentarily confusing the veteran actress with her former contemporary.
The Counter-Attack: Addressing Jaya’s criticism of photographers wearing “gande (dirty) drainpipe pants,” Bhau alleged, “She herself wears ₹150 sarees from Chor Bazaar and then calls these hard-working paps ‘poor’ or comments on their clothes. Who gave her the right?”
“Stop Chasing Those Who Disrespect You”
Bhau’s most stinging comments were directed at the paparazzi community, whom he urged to reclaim their self-respect.
“I ask you with folded hands—why do you follow people who don’t respect you? They are famous because of you. If you stop clicking them, nobody will even know them. Inko inki aukaat tab pata chalegi (They will know their place) when you stop giving them attention.”
He further added that while he and other celebrities owe their fame to the media, certain veterans seem to have forgotten the “backbone of the industry.”
Context: The “Drainpipe” Controversy
The row began earlier this month during the ‘We The Women’ event, where Jaya Bachchan expressed her “immense dislike” for modern paparazzi culture.
- Jaya’s Remark: “I have zero relationship with them. These people in drainpipe-tight, gande pants… they think just because they have a mobile, they can take your picture and say what they want.”
- The Backlash: Her comments were widely slammed as classist. While Shatrughan Sinha took a lighter vein by praising paps for their “good shirts,” others like Rakhi Sawant and now Hindustani Bhau have called for a complete media boycott of the Bachchan family.
Industry Reactions
| Person | Stance | Quote/Action |
| Hindustani Bhau | Aggressive | “Don’t go behind people who don’t give you respect.” |
| Sunita Ahuja | Defensive | “If Jaya ma’am gets irritated, paps should respect her space.” |
| Shatrughan Sinha | Neutral | “Aap log pant bhi achhi pehente hain (You guys wear good pants too).” |
| Pallav Paliwal (Pap) | Hurt | Suggested a boycott of Agastya Nanda’s upcoming film Ikkis. |