At the Showsha Reel Awards 2025, Abhishek Bachchan bagged the Best Actor award for his gripping performance in I Want to Talk, helmed by Shoojit Sircar. While his win was a significant milestone in his career, it was a light-hearted exchange with Arjun Kapoor that became the talk of the town.
During the event, Arjun Kapoor, who was hosting a segment, decided to throw a cheeky question Abhishek’s way. “Who is that one person whose ‘I want to talk’ call stresses you out?” he asked, referencing the film’s title in a humorous twist. Without missing a beat, Abhishek responded with a knowing smile, “Tumhari shaadi nahi hui hai na abhi tak… jab ho jaayegi, you’ll have an answer for that.” (You’re not married yet… once you are, you’ll know the answer.)
Arjun Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan share a fun moment on stageGetty Images
The witty remark instantly had the audience in splits, hinting at the universal reality of married life. He followed it up with another quip: “When you get a call from the missus saying, ‘I want to talk,’ you just know you’re in trouble.” His playful jab at married life resonated with many, turning the moment into one of the evening’s highlights.
Aside from the jokes, Abhishek’s acceptance speech was heartfelt. He expressed deep gratitude to director Shoojit Sircar and his co-stars. “This is my first-ever Best Actor award. I owe it all to Shoojit da, who crafted such a beautiful film. I also want to share this with my on-screen daughters, Ahilya and Pearl, who were absolutely brilliant. They made me look good on screen,” he said.
The actor’s hilarious comment about Aishwarya Rai goes viralGetty Images
His role in Be Happy, a touching father-daughter drama, has also been met with widespread appreciation. Starring alongside Nassar, Nora Fatehi, and Inaayat Verma, Abhishek has been praised for his emotional depth in the film, now streaming on Prime Video.
Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, married since 2007, have often been the subject of speculation regarding their relationship. Rumours of their alleged separation have made rounds, especially after their separate arrivals at a high-profile wedding and Abhishek’s social media activity hinting at "grey divorces." However, neither Abhishek nor Aishwarya has addressed these rumours, maintaining their privacy.
Abhishek Bachchan wins Best Actor and delivers a memorable speechGetty Images
Professionally, the couple has shared the screen in multiple films, including Guru, Dhoom 2, and Raavan. While their personal life remains under scrutiny, Abhishek’s humour at the awards night reminded everyone that sometimes, laughter is the best way to tackle life’s uncertainties.
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.