'Till date I have NEVER REFUSED a pap picture': Riteish Deshmukh speaks about mutual respect with paparazzi:

In an industry where celebrity-paparazzi tensions frequently make headlines, actor Riteish Deshmukh stands out as a rare exception, and he has a deeply human reason for it. The 'Raja Shivaji' actor recently opened up about the equation he shares with the photographers.Riteish Deshmukh on growing paparazzi cultureOn the chat show 'The Right Angle' with Sonal Kalra, Riteish Deshmukh spoke about watching paparazzi culture evolve over his career. He said, "I have seen the pap culture grow. When we debuted, it was not there; whenever we would go to a function, we would get clicked. But we never got clicked coming out of a restaurant or going on a flight. Right from being one or two people, to now so many of them practically chasing to click pictures."Riteish Deshmukh's refreshing take on paparazzi goes viralThe actor noted that his perspective shifted significantly after a particular conversation with a photographer that opened his eyes to the financial realities behind the lens.Riteish recalled asking a paparazzo directly about his earnings. "I remember asking one pap, 'Ek photo ke tumhe kitne milte hain?' (How much do you earn for a single photo?) He said, 'It depends; kisi ne agar exclusive pic liya toh Rs 1,000' (if someone has clicked an exclusive picture, then Rs 1,000)," the actor recalled.That exchange left a lasting impression. Riteish shared, "I realised that if his daily earnings depend on pictures, and if I am able to contribute, then I will do it. To date, I have never refused a pap picture. Wherever they have come, I have humbly respected them, and so have they. They have also given a certain amount of respect, which Genelia, I, and the kids value."Deshmukh family's relationship with the paparazziThe warmth is not limited to Riteish Deshmukh alone. His wife, actor Genelia Deshmukh, and their children, Riaan and Rahyl, are equally known for greeting photographers with folded hands and patiently posing for pictures.'Raja Shivaji' successOn the professional front, Riteish Deshmukh is currently riding high on the success of 'Raja Shivaji', a film he has directed, co-written, and acted in. The movie has crossed Rs 70 crore in gross collection at the box office. It was released in theatres on May 1, 2026.