In a sudden turn of events, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has stepped down as the chairman of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Kher has cited his busy schedule and commitments to an upcoming US-based TV series as the reason for his decision.
In his resignation letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kher wrote, "I write to you with the intention to, with due notice resign from the post of the Chairman at FTII, Pune. This decision has not come without considerable thought of the responsibilities expected of me vis-à-vis the time I have at my disposal to execute them. At the time when I was officially approached by the former I&B Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani to be appointed as the Chairman, I did share with her that I was due to be stationed in the US for nearly 6 months for an International TV show. The latest news now is that the show has been given a further extension of 4 months. This translates into me being stationed in the US for nearly 9 months between 2018 and 2019 and then for a similar period for a minimum of three years more. Given this assignment, it would not be fair to me, the students and management team, for me to hold a position of such responsibility and accountability without being actively involved in the operations.
"Hence I request you to please accept my resignation and in the notice period scout for someone suitable to take a handover from me.
Needless to say, I will be always available, if needed, for any guidance or responsibility given to me as an individual."
Known for playing a plethora of roles in Bollywood films, Anupam Kher has acted in several high-profile international projects also.
JK Rowling’s Instagram story mocking Pedro Pascal’s criticismInstagram Screengrab
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
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.