Dolukanda Sanjeewanee Mountain
Dolukanda is another major location that closely linked with the epic Ramayana. Dolukanda is a table mountain rock formation situated 120 kilometer away from Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo and close to Hiripitiya village.The mountain rock, Dolukanda is one among the five places where Lord Hanuman accidentally dropped a part of Sanjeevani mountain brought from Himalaya. Rumassala, Ritigala, Thalladi, and Kachchativu, the other four locations in Sri Lanka where Hanuman unknowingly dropped the parts of Sanjeevani mountain.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is a location that closely associated with the epic. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress situated near Dambulla at the northern Matale district in the central province of Sri Lanka.It is a one a major sites in the country with historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metre high. According to the local legend, Naguliya cave in Sigiriya is believed to be one of the places where Ravana kept Seetha Devi as captive.
Ravana cave and tunnels network
Ravana cave and tunnels network is a proof for the architectural brilliance of Lanka’s Ravana. The tunnels were used for means of transportation through the hills and also as secret passages.A detailed analysis on the tunnels indicate that the tunnel networks are man-made and not natural formations. At present the tunnel mouths are located at Isthripur, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola/Matale, and Sitakotuwa.
Ketheeswaram temple
Ketheeswaram temple is a Shiva shire also known as Tirukketisvaran is situated in the Mannar district, but on the mainland opposite to Mannar island.Mandodari, wife of Ravana was belong to this region and local legends narrate that her father constructed the shrine. The temple was reconstructed in 1903 after Portuguese invaders and religious fanatics destroyed temple structure in 1575.
Gavagala
Gavagala is a place in Sri Lanka where Ravana had a vast diary farm. Milk obtained from the cattle was airlifted from here using Vimana (aircraft) to transport milk to Ravana’s residence. The stones, stone pillars, posts, and others in Gavagala have the worn out marks cast by constant use of tying ropes on them.
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.