Known for his impeccable comic timing, flawless characterization and passion, actor Ali Asgar is clearly an expert in his field. However, the actor still regards every project as his very first and works with the same dedication. In a candid chat, he talks about his new show Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan, how he unwinds himself and his future plans.
How is it working with Sunil Grover and Shilpa Shinde in Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan?
It's a delight to work with Sunil Grover. I am working for the first time with Shilpa Shinde, she is superb. Working with Sugandha Mishra is like being back with my previous team. The same is true for Paresh Ganatra. It's like home for me.
How do you feel working with young producers Preeti and Neeti and their bunch of writers?
They keep on trying new things. The best part of Preeti is that she keeps on innovating. Her confidence level is really amazing and that helps us a lot and makes us more confident. It's been ages that I have been working with them. It's been 10 to 11 years that I have been associated with them. She knows everyone's strength and what we can deliver. She knows everyone's positive as well as negative sides and limitations. She doesn't stop for anything. She accepts new challenges and makes us accept them as well.
Your energy and enthusiasm are still the same. How do you maintain that?
I think that is the quality which has kept me moving in my life. I started working in 1984, so it's been almost 33 years now that I have been in television and films. I have tried all the mediums, except radio. As hungry as I was to face the camera on day one, I am still that hungry today. For an actor the day you think that you know this medium and you know how to perform, that is the end of your career. So, every day, I work like a newcomer, I keep on asking my writers to improvise. I think you must be honest with your work and acting skills and this is what has kept me focused. I have never been to any class or acting school, I have learnt from the 70s actors. I have collected all the DVDs and have researched a lot. God has been kind to me and my family has been very supportive.
At this stage, if you are offered a daily soap, would you do it?
I would love to do it. I would love to do a cameo role too…maybe something negative, a romantic character or maybe a father’s role.
Are you getting any films offers?
Yes, after Judwaa 2, thankfully, I have started getting offers.
How do you unwind yourself?
For me, if I perform well, my day is spent well and I get good feedback, my day is made. Sometimes, if I don't perform well, I look forward to the next day to rectify it. My kids are my life, my son is 14-year-old and my daughter is 12-year-old. I am a family man, I don't party. My wife is not from the industry. She is a teacher. I love spending time with them. It is the highlight of my day.
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.