Bollywood stars descending to the small screen has been in trend for a long time now. Several renowned actors stepped into the shoes of television hosts and entertained the audience on the small screen. Let’s take a look at the top five Bollywood superstars who rocked as TV hosts, adding a new dimension to their illustrious careers.
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, the towering figure of Indian cinema, transcends generations with his unparalleled charm and magnetic persona. In 2000, he ventured into television with the iconic game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, adapting the global sensation Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for Indian audiences. Bachchan's authoritative yet affable demeanor turned the show into a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions of viewers across the world. His profound connection with the contestants and knack for storytelling elevated the show beyond mere trivia, making it a platform for human narratives and aspirations.
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, known for his infectious energy and quick wit, made his mark on television with Kaun Banega Crorepati as a guest host in 2007. His stint was met with widespread acclaim, prompting him to venture into hosting his own shows. "Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? showcased Khan's playful banter and rapport with young contestants, endearing him to audiences of all ages. With his trademark charm and charisma, Khan seamlessly transitioned from the silver screen to the television realm, further solidifying his status as a beloved entertainer.
Salman Khan
Salman Khan, fondly known as 'Bhai' to his legion of fans, carved a niche for himself in the television industry with reality shows that mirrored his larger-than-life persona. Bigg Boss, the Indian adaptation of Big Brother, became synonymous with Salman Khan's hosting prowess. His candid interactions with contestants and candid yet empathetic approach endeared him to audiences, making Bigg Boss a must-watch spectacle. Khan's magnetic presence breathed new life into the reality show genre, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer beyond the realm of scripted narratives. The superstar has also hosted the famous quiz show Dus Ka Dum on Sony Entertainment Television.
Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan, often hailed as the 'Perfectionist' of Bollywood, brought his meticulous approach to television with Satyamev Jayate. Unlike conventional reality shows, Satyamev Jayate tackled pressing social issues, shedding light on topics ranging from healthcare and education to gender equality and environmental conservation. Khan's earnestness and commitment to social causes resonated deeply with audiences, sparking nationwide discussions and driving tangible change. His venture into television exemplifies the power of entertainment as a catalyst for societal awareness and advocacy.
Ranveer Singh
Bollywood's dynamic powerhouse, Ranveer Singh, made his mark on the small screen as the host of the television show The Big Picture. Known for his infectious energy, versatility, and larger-than-life persona, Singh's foray into hosting was an exhilarating blend of entertainment and edutainment.
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.