Alia Bhatt recently opened up about her personal struggles with mental health during a quiet media meet held before her birthday. Surrounded by close friends, journalists, and her husband Ranbir Kapoor, Alia cut her cake early this year ahead of turning 32. But instead of making the gathering just about celebrations, she took a moment to speak honestly about her journey with ADHD, anxiety, and how she’s learning to cope.
Alia, in her usual straightforward way, explained how therapy has become a key part of her life. “I go to therapy once a week. It clears my head. I’m not someone who can meditate regularly or follow strict routines, but I’ve realised that just being aware of how I’m feeling helps a lot,” she said. She was open about how her emotions often take over, especially in overwhelming situations. “I get caught up sometimes; I feel my emotions physically. It’s hard to stay present in those moments, but knowing what’s happening inside me helps me get through them,” she added.
The actor spoke about being diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, a process she described as strangely reassuring. “After I got the diagnosis, it all made sense. I wasn’t just having ‘bad days.’ There was something deeper. Getting clarity made me feel less out of control,” she shared. She also talked about how social events used to make her physically uncomfortable. “My body would heat up, and I’d feel restless. It wasn’t easy to focus or stay calm,” she said.
Despite having the option, Alia has chosen not to take medication. Instead, she’s decided to manage her condition through therapy, self-awareness, and small daily efforts. “I’m not on medication, although I could be. I’m working on it my way, and I think I’m doing okay,” she said.
One simple tool that’s helping her these days? A children’s book. “I read The Book of Emotions to my daughter Raha. It explains feelings in such a basic way, but honestly, it feels like I’m reminding myself, too. We all need to hear that it’s normal to have ups and downs.”
During the event, both Alia and Ranbir politely asked photographers to avoid clicking pictures of Raha or posting about her on social media. “We just want to keep things simple for her,” they said.
Alia’s honest take on mental health reminds us that even when life looks perfect from the outside, everyone’s fighting their own battles and sometimes, small steps make a big difference.
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.