AFTER a few winning appearances on television, Afreen Alvi announced herself with a terrific turn on popular drama serial Shubh Laabh – Aapkey Ghar Mein. The talented actress showed off her impressive range with a multi-layered performance and is now looking forward to taking on bigger challenges in future.
Eastern Eye caught up with the talented newcomer to discuss her time on the hit series, future hopes, inspirations, passions away from work and what she would love to master.
What first connected you to acting?
I always thought acting would be a great medium to gain recognition and fame. I have also been good at showing emotions, so it was a perfect fit. For me acting is about that emotional touch and connecting to a character.
How would you describe the experience of working on Shubh Labh - Aapkey Ghar Mein?
It was amazing. I made a second family there. In terms of the people working on the show and the whole set-up, it was filled with positivity. We used to work and laugh at the same time. It was a lot of fun and very fulfilling.
Why do you think Shubh Laabh - Aapkey Ghar Mein was loved?
We Indians are family people and very emotional. In Shubh Laabh we showed an Indian family filled with emotions and humour. It was a family orientated show, which is something audiences love.
What can we expect next from you?
I’m expecting a new show with good characters. I would love to do any character, whether it’s positive or negative. I just want to do great work that challenges me on a good channel, whether it is a lead or negative lead. That works for me.
Do you have a dream role that you want to play?
Yes, I do have a dream role. I want to play a princess role in a Disney movie. That beautiful character would be my dream role.
Other than that, I really want to do a romantic role. Who would you love to work with?
I would love to work with good and talented people. I want to work with Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, and good TV actors. I would love to work with everybody who is related to TV – they all are inspiring for me.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
I love to watch romantic comedies, and sometimes horror. I love fantasy stories. Ultimately, I love watching everything, depending on my mood.
What are your big passions away from work?
I’m very passionate about styling, designing, drawing, and cooking. I cook really nice Indian food. I know how to make a variety of dishes really well. I’m a very good cook. (Laughs) I say very good, but in relative terms I mean good.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
Actually, I’m good at dancing, but want to master that. I want to learn every style of dancing like Kathak, freestyle, belly dancing and more. What inspires you? Actually, positivity inspires me. When people see me on screen, feel proud, say I’m a nice person and they want to be like me, it inspires me a lot. People who give positive vibes also inspire me.
What inspires you?
Actually, positivity inspires me. When people see me on screen, feel proud, say I’m a nice person and they want to be like me, it inspires me a lot. People who give positive vibes also inspire me.
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.