AFTER being under the radar for a few years, actor Amol Parashar has risen through the ranks with winning performances on diverse platforms.
These range from key roles in hit web series like A Viral Wedding and TVF Tripling to playing legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in acclaimed movie Sardar Udham. His other top performances in recent films include Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, Cash and 36 Farmhouse.
Eastern Eye caught up with the actor to find out more about him, his future hopes and acting heroes.
Which of your roles has given you the greatest joy?
I have enjoyed all my characters, but Chitvan (in TVF Tripling) of course has been special because I have lived it over three seasons of the show. Playing Bhagat Singh for Shoojit Sircar will always be special to me too.
You have played an interesting range of roles in recent years, but which challenged you most?
Playing Osman Ansari in Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare was exciting and challenging because he is the simplest, most endearing character I have played, and sometimes the simplest portrayals can be the hardest. Secondly, I was working with an accomplished and fantastic actor like Konkona (Sen Sharma) so I knew I had to bring my A-game.
What can we expect next from you?
There are a couple of movies in different stages of post-production that should be out in 2023. There is also a comic caper with Lionsgate Studios that we will start shooting in February. I am looking forward to collaborating with talented actors including Abhimanyu Dassani and Shreya Dhanwantry.
What is the acting master plan going forward?
(Laughs) It is difficult to have a master plan because many things must happen to you. My plan is just to give my best to whatever opportunities come my way.
Do you have a dream role?
No, I don’t. My dream has always been to do the widest variety of roles I possibly can.
Who would you to love to work with?
There are so many established directors and some upcoming ones that I would love to collaborate with. As an actor it is always satisfying to work with a filmmaker with a vision.
What do you enjoy as an audience member?
I enjoy inventive and fresh writing that tries to say something new or show things in a new manner. I find formula really boring.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by reading a great book and watching a great film, along with having an interesting and irreverent conversation.
Who is your own acting hero?
I am inspired by the performances of Fahadh Faasil and Ranveer Singh.
Finally, why do you love being an actor?
I love being an actor because it makes me happy and gives me a chance to make other people happy.
Instagram: @amolparashar
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.