THE TV STAR TALKS ACTING, LOCKDOWN AND BIGG BOSS
by ASJAD NAZIR
A GLITTERING career has seen small-screen star Adaa Khan shine brightly in a wide array of projects and the biggest flashes of brilliance have been when she has taken on a challenging role.
The elegant actress has won acclaim for winning performances in shows that include the smash-hit seasons of Naagin, Vish Ya Amrit: Sitara and Behenein. With more big projects on the way, she is already being linked to the next season of India’s most popular reality TV show Bigg Boss. Perhaps her greatest achievement has been doing things on her own terms and not being afraid to take on new challenges.
Eastern Eye caught up with Adaa Khan to discuss her acting journey, inspirations, being changed by lockdown and something that not many people know about her.
You seem to have done everything on your own terms. How important is that to you?
It feels great to do everything on your own terms, so that you are not under pressure from anyone else. When you are working, you are not just working, but should also be enjoying yourself.
You have done a wide array of interesting projects, but which have meant the most to you?
Yes, I have done a lot of interesting projects and all of them are very important to me because each one is like your own kid when you do a project. The character is your baby – the way you make it. So everything is special for me, but Naagin is a show that gave great heights to my career, so I would consider that one as special. But all the roles I have done are very close to my heart and very special to me.
Is the biggest challenge finding great projects?
Yes, it definitely is a challenge to find great projects because we are in this industry and there is great competition, and great talent out there. So it is hard to get big projects.
What can we expect next from you?
I myself don’t know. I would just like to say that what you can expect next from me is good work, inshallah, and as soon as it happens, you will definitely get to know about it. Maybe TV or the web, you never know, so I will keep you updated.
What do you enjoy watching as a viewer?
Well, what I enjoy watching depends on my mood. When I am not feeling that ok, I like watching something fun. Friends is my favourite go-to show when I am feeling low. If I am in a nice mood, I like to watch something interesting, with intrigue. I’ve been watching a lot of shows based on the mafia lately. During lockdown I have watched a lot of old Hollywood classic movies. I enjoyed them to the core. I love watching Al Pacino, Robert de Niro and Clint Eastwood. So what I watch just depends on my mood.
Is it true that you have been offered Bigg Boss 15 as has been widely reported?
I wasn’t offered it, but still it was all over the media. I am a private person, and you need lots of guts to be a part of this show – which, as of now, I don’t have.
What inspires you?
What inspires me a lot is just hard work, staying positive and living for the day. Being really positive about everything inspires me because in the times we are living in, everything has just become so stressful and nothing seems right. Everyone has become super negative in their thoughts, so it’s very important that we all stay very positive, especially during these challenging times. I try and do the same.
Has lockdown changed you in any way?
Lockdown has definitely changed me, and I think a lot of people too. We have all learned a lot, seen a lot and know that at the end of the day, it’s your health and your family’s health which is the priority above every other thing. It has created a close bond between families, and friends and we’ve realised these luxuries are just temporary – what matters most are your loved ones. It has also taught me the ways of keeping myself going and staying positive in spite of all the challenges we face, and how to not be very anxious about what’s going to happen next. Everyone is facing anxiety, but we have learned to deal with anxiety in a better way. Lockdown has enabled us to learn who our close people are and who are really there for us. You have spoken about staying fit ahead of having a bikini body.
Tell us a little more about that?
Yes, I did say that staying fit is more important than having a bikini body. I believe that your health comes first, and then you can aim for a bikini body.
Tell us something that not many people know about you?
I think everyone knows I am a very introverted person and pretty shy, so I like to keep my life a little private. What others don’t know about me is that I am a very family-oriented person. My family comes first before anything in life; even before work, I would give priority to my family. That is like the most important thing for me. I am a complete family girl.
Why do you love being an actor?
I love my profession and that’s why I feel when I am working, I actually don’t work because I love what I do. I love playing different roles, characters and especially a challenging character which is really strong, as that sends a message to people. Even if I am playing a negative role, it’s good when people love to hate you. If you play a positive character, the audience should love you for that role. So I like making people feel. Portraying emotions gives me a high in life.
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.