Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is at the centre of a legal and public controversy after his social media comment targeting the Brahmin community triggered backlash and police action. A formal complaint was lodged in Raipur by Pandit Neelkanth Tripathi, a key member of the Rashtriya Brahman Mahasangh, prompting local police to file an FIR under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly promoting disharmony and offending religious sentiments.
Kashyap’s remark, made in response to a social media user who insulted him, was widely seen as offensive and derogatory towards Brahmins. The filmmaker admitted to responding in anger and acknowledged that his choice of words was inappropriate. In his apology, Kashyap said he acted out of character and hurt not just the community but also people close to him. “In the heat of the moment, I lost my temper and said things I shouldn’t have,” he wrote, stressing that many Brahmins have been part of his personal and professional life.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing criticism surrounding his upcoming film Phule, based on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. The movie, which deals with caste discrimination, has faced objections from some groups, particularly over its portrayal of caste dynamics. During the debate, Kashyap shared his frustrations about censorship and online abuse, but his response ended up escalating tensions instead of opening dialogue.
His comment, “I’ll urinate on Brahmins,” made in retaliation to a user’s caste-based insult, sparked outrage and led to multiple police complaints, including in Jaipur and Indore. Politicians and public figures, including lyricist Manoj Muntashir, also criticised him, calling his language distasteful and inflammatory.
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After days of criticism, Kashyap publicly admitted his fault, stating that he let his emotions take over. He promised to avoid reacting in anger and to choose his words more carefully in the future.
Caste-based controversy surrounds Phule director Anurag Kashyap, with FIRs filed and heated discussions across IndiaGetty Images
Meanwhile, Phule, starring Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha, is scheduled for release on 25 April. Whether the controversy affects its reception remains to be seen, but for now, Kashyap is dealing with the consequences of a few words spoken in haste, and the broader conversation about caste and expression in cinema continues.
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.