Lokesh Kanagaraj Faces Inappropriate Question at Press Meet, Fans Slam ‘Cheap Behaviour’ of Reporter
Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj recently found himself at the centre of controversy after a reporter asked him an inappropriate personal question during a press conference. The director, who has been married for over a decade, was asked if he planned to start a “second family” amid rumours linking him to an actress.
The incident, which took place during a media interaction about his recent and upcoming projects, has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with fans and industry observers calling out the reporter’s conduct and praising Lokesh for his dignified response.
During the press meet, Lokesh was discussing his latest release Coolie with Rajinikanth and his upcoming collaboration with Allu Arjun. Towards the end of the interaction, a reporter asked:
“On social media, there is chatter about your love story with an actress. Are you going to be family?”
Responding calmly, Lokesh said, “No, sir. I already have a family.”
The reporter then persisted with, “Second family.”
At this point, Lokesh chose not to engage further and ended the press conference.
The clip from the interaction quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), garnering lakhs of views within hours. Several fan pages and film portals shared the video, triggering a debate on media ethics and personal boundaries.
Lokesh has been married to Aishwarya since 2012, and the couple has two daughters.
Industry Reactions
The incident drew strong reactions from fans and members of the film community.
One user wrote on X, “Very cheap behaviour. Why ask such personal and disrespectful questions?” Another commented, “He handled it with so much grace. Not everyone would stay that calm.”
A senior journalist from the Tamil film industry stated, “Press conferences are meant to discuss films and creative work. Personal insinuations cross professional limits.”
Film trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai noted, “Lokesh’s restraint reflects his maturity. Unfortunately, such sensational questions distract from meaningful conversations about cinema.”
Several actors and filmmakers indirectly supported Lokesh by resharing clips highlighting his composed response.
Background of the Artist
Lokesh Kanagaraj is among the most influential directors in contemporary Tamil cinema. Known for films like Kaithi, Master, Vikram, and Leo, he has built a strong reputation for combining commercial appeal with strong storytelling.
His 2025 release Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, collected over ₹500 crore worldwide, despite receiving an A certificate from the CBFC. The film later performed strongly on OTT platforms, recording high viewership within weeks of its digital release.
Over the years, Lokesh has maintained a low-profile personal life, rarely speaking about his family in public and focusing primarily on his professional work.
What’s Next
Lokesh Kanagaraj is currently preparing for his next major project with Allu Arjun, which is expected to be mounted on a large pan-India scale. The film is likely to go on floors later this year.
He has also confirmed that Kaithi 2, starring Karthi, will begin production after the Allu Arjun project.
Meanwhile, following the success of Coolie, Lokesh continues to be one of the most sought-after directors in South Indian cinema, with several major production houses reportedly in talks with him for future collaborations.
Our Final Thoughts
The incident involving Lokesh Kanagaraj once again highlights the fine line between journalism and intrusion into personal space. While public figures are accustomed to intense media scrutiny, questions that speculate about their private lives, especially in a disrespectful manner, undermine professional ethics.
Lokesh’s composed response reflects his maturity and focus on work over controversy. Instead of reacting emotionally, he chose to disengage, setting an example of how such situations can be handled with dignity.
In an era where viral moments often overshadow meaningful discussions, this episode also raises important questions about the role of responsible media. Press conferences should ideally focus on cinema, creativity, and industry developments rather than unverified rumours.
The strong reaction from fans suggests that audiences today are increasingly aware of and sensitive to such issues. Their support for Lokesh reflects a growing demand for respectful interactions between celebrities and the media.
As Indian cinema expands globally, maintaining professional standards in public discourse becomes even more important. Lokesh’s calm conduct serves as a reminder that integrity and restraint often speak louder than confrontation.