Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh recently shared a heartwarming moment involving a paparazzo outside a Mumbai restaurant — one that flipped the usual dynamic between celebrities and photographers.
The actor recalled that he had no cash on him when he wanted to buy something worth Rs 100 from a child. A paparazzo stepped in to help, and Riteish was the one receiving the favour, not giving it.
Riteish Deshmukh's cashless moment outside Mumbai restaurant
Riteish explained that he was walking out of the restaurant when he noticed a child selling something for Rs 100. Since he usually relies on digital payments, he did not have cash on him.
"We were walking out, and there was a child who was selling something for Rs 100. You have become so cashless today… I wasn't carrying money. Now, I don't carry money because everything is digital," he said.
He initially asked his chauffeur, "Sau rupaye chhutta hai kya?" (Do you have a change of Rs 100?), but was told there was no cash available.
Paparazzo pays for Riteish Deshmukh — reversing the usual role
That is when a paparazzo came to his rescue. The photographer paid the Rs 100 on his behalf, allowing Riteish to complete the purchase from the child.
"People always say that you're paying paps. I was the one who got paid by them." — Riteish Deshmukh
The comment highlights how the public often assumes actors pay photographers for coverage. In this case, the opposite happened — the paparazzo was the one helping the actor out of a small spot of trouble.
Our Take: A small gesture that says a lot
To put it plainly, this is a small incident, but it carries a meaningful message. It shows that the relationship between celebrities and paparazzi is not always transactional. Behind the cameras and the constant attention, there is room for simple human kindness.
Riteish's willingness to share this story also matters. He could have easily kept it to himself. Instead, he chose to highlight a moment where someone in a profession often criticised for being intrusive did something genuinely helpful.
It is also a reminder of how common this situation has become. With digital payments taking over, many people simply do not carry cash anymore. When a small purchase requires physical money, even a celebrity can find themselves stuck. In this case, the help came from an unexpected source — and Riteish made sure the gesture did not go unnoticed.
The story is a light-hearted one, but it reflects a reality many can relate to. And for Riteish, it is a memory he clearly values — one where the paparazzo was not just taking photos, but lending a hand.
