Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, whose recent film The Kashmir Files (2022) dealt with the issue of the Kashmiri Hindus’ exodus in the Kashmir valley in the early 1990s, has called the Oxford University “Hinduphobic”. His comments come after the University cancelled his address at the last moment.
For the uninitiated, Agnihotri and his wife Pallavi Joshi, who co-produced and acted in The Kashmir Files, are on a “Humanity Tour”, celebrating the great success of the film by spreading Indian Culture worldwide.
Recently, while the filmmaker was present at Oxford University in the UK to make an address on May 31 with their invitation, at the last moment they cancelled the event.
Expressing his disappointment, the filmmaker took to social media and addressed the audience in a video on how this incident has happened while appealing for support.
In his tweet, the director wrote, “Yet another Hindu voice is curbed at Hinduphobic Oxford University. They have cancelled me. In reality, they cancelled Hindu Genocide and Hindu students who are a minority at Oxford University. The president-elect [of the union] is a Pakistani. Please share and support me in this most difficult fight.” He added that he would file a lawsuit against the university.
“It was all confirmed on email but a few hours back, they said they had made a mistake, there was a double booking and they wouldn’t be able to host me today. Without even asking me, they changed the date to July 1 because on that day no student would be there and there’s no point doing an event,” he said in the video.
“They call me Islamophobic. As if killing thousands of Kashmiri Hindus was not Hinduphobic but making a film on the truth is Islamophobic. Hindus are in minority at Oxford University. This is the oppression of the minority,” Agnihotri added.
Also starring Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, and Darshan Kumar in important roles, The Kashmir Files released on March 11 and went on to do terrific business not only in India but also in several international territories.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.