While shooting for his new film Goodbye in Rishikesh, legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan along with director Vikas Bahl, actress Elli Avram, as well as the rest of the cast and crew of the production joined for a special meeting with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji and performed the world-renowned Parmarth Ganga aarti.
During the evening session, Pujya Swamiji shared, "No doubt Amitabhji is a living legend in the Indian film industry, but he is also deeply dedicated to his country and has made his nation and its people proud. Amitabhji has inspired generations and will continue to inspire generations to come with his incredible gift and excellence in his craft. Amitabhji hails from the banks of Mother Ganga, from Prayagraj, and to many is still endeared as Chora Ganga Kinare Wale. And today, in the Yoga Capital of the World, on the holy banks of Maa Ganga in Rishikesh it is so apt to welcome him home."
Amitabh Bachchan with Swamiji Chidanand Saraswatiji in Rishikesh
Lauding his lifetime of achievements, Pujya Swamiji added, "As the son of legendary Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchanji, celebrated poet, who has also lived an exemplary life, he has joined his family's rich history and legacy in their important role in making India and Indian culture proud!"
Speaking on the occasion and welcoming the actor, Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared, "This sacred land is so deeply transformative. Whether you come here simply as a pilgrim or as a personality like Amitabh Bachchanji, the sacred soil has the power to touch and transform us. I am so glad to welcome Amitabhji to his Himalayan home and so glad to have many of the scenes from his next film shot here in Rishikesh. I am sure the mere darshan of this sacred pilgrimage will inspire countless many."
Amitabh Bachchan receiving a sacred Rudraksha sapling by Swamiji Chidanand Saraswatiji in Rishikesh.
Mr Bachchan received a sacred Rudraksha sapling, an Angvastra, and was given a beautiful garland by Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji during the Aarti, honoured for his work and his divine example. He also met with Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji to perform the sacred water blessing ceremony and was offered a beautiful Lord Shiva Murti as his gift to take back with him.
With the completion of filming for Goodbye in Rishikesh and at the Ashram, Pujya Swamiji recognized the importance of Uttarakhand in India's powerful film industry, sharing, "So many films have been shot in Uttarakhand. Our Uttarakhand is the best destination for films. It's the Best Spiritual Destination, the Best Wildlife Destination, the Best Adventure Destination. And the holy valleys of the Himalayas and the holy banks of Maa Gangaji are the best destinations themselves. Uttarakhand is now becoming one of the most favorite destinations in the world. And in order to keep our beloved state as the best destination in the world, we have to keep this state green and clean, and we must keep the culture and rites alive in the mountains."
Amitabh Bachchan will next be seen in Runway 34, set to release on April 29, 2022.
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.