Hardik Pandya Slams Paps for Clicking Girlfriend Mahieka: Calls It ‘Cheap Sensationalism’

Hardik Pandya on Tuesday criticised a section of paparazzi for filming and photographing his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma in a manner he termed intrusive and disrespectful, urging media personnel to maintain basic decency while covering public figures.

The India all-rounder issued a strongly worded statement on Instagram after photos and videos of Mahieka exiting a Mumbai restaurant went viral. Pandya said the images were captured from an inappropriate angle, calling it “cheap sensationalism” and an invasion of privacy.

“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,” Pandya wrote.

“Mahieka was simply walking down a staircase at a Bandra restaurant when paparazzi decided to capture her from an angle that no woman deserves to be photographed from. A private moment was turned into cheap sensationalism.”

Emphasising dignity and boundaries, Pandya added that while he respects media professionals and usually cooperates with them, not every moment or angle deserves to be captured. “Women deserve dignity. Everyone deserves boundaries. Let’s keep some humanity in this game,” he said.

A video of photographers trailing Mahieka as she left the restaurant circulated widely online, with many users speculating it triggered Pandya’s post.

Hardik’s Return to Cricket

The all-rounder is currently preparing for his international comeback in the T20I series against South Africa, beginning Tuesday in Guwahati. He has been out of action for nearly two months after suffering a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup in September.

During his recovery, Pandya spent time with family and girlfriend Mahieka, officially confirming their relationship in October through photos from a beach holiday. The couple made their first public appearance together at the Mumbai airport soon after.

Who is Mahieka Sharma?

Mahieka, a fashion model, has earned recognition including IFA Model of the Year, GQ Best Dressed, India’s Next Supermodel and Elle Model of the Season, according to her social media bio. She has walked the ramp for leading designers such as Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre and Tarun Tahiliani, and worked with major brands including Uniqlo and Tanishq. She studied economics and finance before entering the fashion industry.

Pandya’s relationship with Mahieka comes months after his amicable separation from former wife Natasha Stankovic in 2024. The two continue to co-parent their son, Agastya.