Rekha started her acting career as a child artist in 1966 in a Telugu film called Rangula Ratnam. Her debut as a lead actress was in 1969 in Kannada film Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D opposite one of the finest actors of Indian cinema Rajkumar. Rekha made her Bollywood debut in 1970 with Swan Bhadon. Since then she has been part of more than 180 movies.
Rekha is recognised as one of the finest actresses of Indian cinema even till this day. Her work in Bollywood earned her several awards including two Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Khubsoorat (1980) and Khoon Bhari Maang (1988) as well as Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Rekha won National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in Umrao Jaan in 1981.
Her first role as a villain in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi opposite Akshay Kumar was one of the highest grossing Indian films of the year. Rekha’s role as Madam Maya, got her the Star Screen Award for Best Villain and Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. Rekha was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2010.
For Rekha nothing beats the six-yard material. She is known to be wearing beautiful sarees for every award function or wedding parties she goes to. She was awarded the Samsung Diva Award in 2003 by IIFA and Forever Diva Award in 2007 by Zee Cine Award. Rekha is still considered as the style icon by many actresses of the new generation.
Rekha dubbed for two south actresses for the movie Sooryavansham in 1999. She dubbed for Soundarya and Jayasudha in the film, which Amitabh Bachchan was playing the lead actor’s role.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.