Paparazzo Shares Candid Experiences with Bollywood and Sports Celebrities
In the bustling entertainment capital of Mumbai, celebrities are constantly under the lens of paparazzi at airports, restaurants, and public venues, with their reactions to photographers ranging from cheerful cooperation to firm refusals. Now, veteran paparazzo Snehkumar Zala has opened up about his personal interactions with several high-profile figures, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamics between stars and the photographers who document their lives.
Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan: Polite and Family-Oriented
Speaking in a recent interview, Snehkumar recalled that Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are typically courteous and often willing to pose for photographs, especially when they are accompanied by their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan. "All three of them – Abhishek, Aishwarya, and Aaradhya – smile and pose for us. Abhishek sir sometimes declines photos when traveling alone, but they never refuse when together as a family," he explained.
He also shared an early lesson from his career while covering the celebrity couple. "Once, when I was new in the business, I spotted Abhishek and Aishwarya at the airport and called Aishwarya 'Aish.' At that moment, Abhishek gave me a look, and I immediately understood that I should not use that informal nickname," Snehkumar revealed, highlighting the importance of respect and professionalism in such interactions.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma: Friendly Yet Protective
The paparazzo also discussed photographing cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma, who are known for being protective of their children, including their son Akaay Kohli. "Virat and Anushka are friendly with us. We know their routine for photos—they typically put their children in the car first and then pose for us," he said.
Recalling a specific incident, he added, "Once, during travel, Anushka was holding Akaay, and Virat requested that we only photograph him and not them. At that point, some photographers started behaving like fans and asked for photos with Virat. They should have respected his request and let him go, as his wife and kids were waiting." This anecdote underscores the challenges paparazzi face in balancing their work with celebrities' privacy concerns.
Taapsee Pannu: Perceived as Less Approachable
In contrast, Snehkumar admitted that he finds actress Taapsee Pannu less approachable compared to other celebrities. "Celebrities are not usually rude; they just sometimes ask us not to take photos. But I find Taapsee Pannu rude. If you don't want to be photographed, a simple 'no' to paparazzi is sufficient," he stated.
He elaborated further, saying, "I don't want to say anything negative about her, but she comes across as a little rude, often saying no and speaking harshly to paparazzi. I have only photographed her a couple of times, but I've seen many clips where she interacts rudely with photographers, and I don't enjoy clicking her. I prefer photographing other actors." This perspective sheds light on the varying attitudes celebrities hold toward media attention.
These insights from Snehkumar Zala highlight the nuanced relationships between celebrities and paparazzi in Mumbai's vibrant entertainment scene, revealing how stars navigate public exposure while maintaining personal boundaries.
