In an unprecedented and momentous event, Anasuya Sengupta has become the first Indian actress to win the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.
This historic achievement was for her remarkable performance in The Shameless, a gripping film that competed in the Un Certain Regard section of the 77th edition of the festival.
"This is for the queer community everywhere, and all other marginalized communities all over the world, for bravely fighting a fight they shouldn't have to fight," Anasuya passionately stated upon receiving her award.
"More female gaze is the way forward, and the browner the better," she added.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival has been a significant event for India.
In addition to Anasuya's groundbreaking win, Shyam Benegal's classic Manthan had a special screening, marking almost 48 years since its original release.
The festival also saw a dazzling array of Indian celebrities and influencers making waves on the red carpet.
This year, Indian films and actors garnered numerous nominations across various categories, underscoring India's growing influence in global cinema.
Anasuya Sengupta, hailing from Kolkata, delivered an extraordinary performance as Renuka in 'The Shameless,' directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov.
The film narrates the harrowing yet empowering journey of Renuka, who escapes a brothel in Delhi after killing a police officer.
The narrative also explores her complex relationship with her love interest, portrayed by Omara Shetty.
Adding to the Indian triumph at Cannes 2024, two Indian films clinched top honours in the La Cinef Selection.
Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, a Kannada short film directed by Chidananda Naik, a student from the Film and Television Institute of India, secured first place.
Meanwhile, Bunnyhood, directed by Mansi Maheshwari from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and currently studying in the UK, claimed the third place.
As the 77th Cannes Film Festival concluded on May 25, it marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.