I had a deeply unpleasant experience today while interviewing the star cast of the film Maa-Behen, featuring Madhuri Dixit and Tripti Dimri. The media interactions were being managed by MSL India @MSLGROUP_India, the PR agency handling Netflix, the platform on which the film is releasing. Everything was going smoothly until I asked the actors about Ranveer Singh being banned by FWICE for walking out of Don 3. As the actors began responding and I followed up on their answers, a PR representative in the room suddenly screamed at the top of her voice, “I’m sorry, we will not be taking any more questions on this.” Her tone was so loud and aggressive that not only I, but the entire star cast was visibly taken aback. I objected, but she repeated herself. I reluctantly moved on. A short while later, when I asked @dharnaaaaa331 about the hurtful incident where paparazzi asked her to step aside during promotions while focusing only on Madhuri Dixit and Tripti Dimri, the same PR lady screamed again, even louder this time, and demanded that I immediately wrap up the interview. I requested five more minutes, but she forced me to stop shortly after. These film promotion interviews are recorded exclusively on the cameras of the production/PR team. News channels are not permitted to use their own setups. The clear purpose of this arrangement is to maintain tight control over the content. The PR team can delete any portion they find inconvenient and then selectively share the edited footage with broadcasters. I dare the PR agency and the production house to release the full, unedited footage so everyone can hear the rude and completely unacceptable manner in which the interview was shut down on legitimate, ongoing issues in Bollywood. While news channels must also introspect on why we continue to accept such restrictive arrangements, the bigger concern is the increasing high-handedness of PR agencies. Since when did they assume the role of gatekeepers who can bully, scream at, and rudely silence journalists? This particular agency takes pride in its association with the French group @PublicisGroupe One would expect far more refined and professional conduct from a company linked to such a global name. What surprised me the most was how the entire star cast — including the iconic Madhuri Dixit — appeared completely controlled by this obnoxious PR machinery. Dear @netflix @NetflixIndia @NetflixFR - it is worth reflecting on the kind of people you entrust with promoting your films. @MadhuriDixit @tripti_dimri23 #Netflix #MaaBehen #MadhuriDixit #TriptiDimri