Did you know Amitabh Bachchan and family faced a ‘media ban’?: What to do when colleagues sideline you

Bollywood paparazzo Varinder Chawla revealed how the press united against Amitabh Bachchan and his family after Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai’s wedding in 2007. Despite the wedding being private, media coverage led to controversy when journalists were allegedly manhandled by security associated with politician Amar Singh, a close Bachchan family friend.

In an interview with Hindi Rush, Chawla recalled the tension: “I was stationed outside their house. We knew the points from where we could get pictures, like the entry area, but they parked a bus there! So, the entire view of the media was blocked. When they were moving between their bungalows, Amar Singh’s security team was very aggressive. When the media broke through the barricade to get a glimpse, the security attacked them. Many media persons were hurt.”

This conflict quickly escalated into a full-blown media ban on photographing any member of the Bachchan family. “I had never seen such a big media ban,” Chawla said. “They had banned everyone, from Amitabh ji, Jaya ji, Abhishek to Aishwarya.”

“When the Bachchan family attended events, photographers would place their cameras down or up in the air as a sign of protest. If Bachchan saab was called for a group photo, the photographers would lift their cameras up or click the person next to him but not him,” Chawla added.

Being excluded by colleagues can be frustrating and damaging to your career, which Amitabh also realised. Hence, he set up a press conference to clarify the matter, Chawla revealed.

Whether it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine you, or an unintentional consequence of office dynamics, feeling sidelined can leave you disengaged and undervalued.

Neha Bahri, CHRO, Bconnect Communications, advised redirecting your attention and energies toward your work activities and objectives by focusing on your work. The negative effects of your colleagues’ behaviour on your output and morale might be reduced by focusing on your own obligations and priorities.

But before you throw in the towel, there are steps you can take to reclaim your rightful place at the table.

Step 1: Diagnose the problem

Not all exclusion is malicious. Sometimes colleagues might not realise they’re leaving you out. Understand the reason behind it.

Step 2: Take action

Ask for direction and advise on how to handle the toxic coworker from mentors, supervisors, or other helpful coworkers, Bahri said. Talking about your experiences with someone you can trust can help you find perspective, coping mechanisms, and validation.

Step 3: If diplomacy fails

If the subtle approach is ineffective, have a direct conversation with the colleague sidelining you. Focus on the behaviour, not personal attacks. If the behaviour persists or creates a hostile work environment, involve your manager or HR. Document specific instances.

By following these steps, you can take control of the situation and ensure your voice is heard. Remember, your contributions are valuable, and you deserve to be recognized for your hard work.

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