Hardik Pandya Slams Cameramen For Taking Girl Friend's Photos From Inappropriate Angle

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has criticised paparazzi behaviour after photos of girlfriend Mahieka Sharma were taken from what Hardik called an unacceptable angle at a Bandra restaurant. The incident, captured while Mahieka used a staircase, led Hardik to share a sharp note on Instagram Stories, where Hardik said the photographers crossed a boundary and turned a routine outing into cheap content.

Hardik, who is preparing for a return to the Indian team after last playing in September, stressed that constant media attention is part of a public career. However, Hardik said this latest incident ignored basic respect. The player, known for usually engaging with photographers, said the way Mahieka was filmed went beyond what should be considered normal celebrity coverage.

Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma Instagram statement on dignity and media

In a long written message, Hardik reflected on life under the spotlight and the limits that should still exist. Hardik wrote, "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 went on to remind photographers that views and clicks should not outweigh basic decency. In the same Instagram note, Hardik said, "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,"

Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma relationship timeline and social media posts

The relationship between Hardik Pandya and Mahieka Sharma became public in October, shortly after rumours about the pair started doing the rounds. Hardik then confirmed the speculation by sharing multiple Instagram Stories featuring Mahieka, including one photo of both together in a swimming pool. In that post, Hardik described Mahieka as the special person Hardik had wished for, calling Mahieka his "11:11 wish."

Hardik soon shared more content that highlighted how important Mahieka is within Hardik’s personal circle. In a separate Instagram post captioned "My Big 3," Hardik showcased what Hardik called the three central supports in life: cricket, son Agastya, and Mahieka. The carousel contained moments of the trio together, underlining the close bond between family, relationship, and career.

Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma moments with family and past links

The "My Big 3," post included varied glimpses from Hardik’s daily life. One image showed Hardik and Mahieka performing a pooja together, reflecting shared rituals. Another short clip had Hardik placing a gentle kiss on Mahieka’s cheek. Other frames captured the two working out as partners in the gym, and one playful mirror selfie displayed Hardik lifting Mahieka in Hardik’s arms.

Before Hardik’s relationship with Mahieka became public, the cricketer had been linked with UK singer Jasmin Walia. Jasmin had been spotted cheering for Hardik from the stands during matches. Jasmin was also seen on the Mumbai Indians team bus after an IPL game against Kolkata Knight Riders, which sparked talk about their bond. Later reports suggested they split and unfollowed each other online.

Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma context: marriage, co-parenting and career

Hardik’s current relationship came after the end of Hardik’s marriage to actor and model Nataša Stanković. The two announced their separation last year through a joint social media note. The statement read, "After four years of being together, we have decided to part ways. We tried our best and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest of both of us. This was a tough decision, given the joy, respect and companionship we shared as we built our family,"

Even after the separation, Hardik Pandya and Nataša Stanković continue to raise their five-year-old son Agastya together, sharing parenting duties. Alongside this personal chapter and Hardik’s new relationship with Mahieka Sharma, the all-rounder is also focused on returning to international cricket for India after being away since September, balancing public attention with calls for privacy and respect.