TOP stand-up talent Anuvab Pal is no stranger to dissecting the British empire with cutting edge comedy. Instead of using a scalpel, he wields a giant sword with his latest show and slices through all aspects of Britishness, from the colonisation of India to contemporary nuances of UK culture.
With a photo of Idi Amin and Rishi Sunak on stage at the iconic Soho Theatre in central London, the clever Indian comic immediately connected with the mostly non-Asian audience. He took on diverse subjects like the English language, politics, pessimism, etiquette, cultural differences, commonalities, yoga and what it means to be British in a post-Brexit world.
Great stories, including an Air India incident and chapters from history, were mixed up with sharp observations of how people interact with one another. There was also self-depreciating humour and a hilarious list of what he likes about British culture.
The various jokes, stories and anecdotes were elevated to a higher level by the comedian’s stage presence, which included mannerisms, facial expressions and body language generating roars of laughter. But what really made this a special show was his ability to make each bit relatable to audiences from different cultures and age groups.
There perhaps could have been more audience interaction and a bigger spotlight on British colonial history. He definitely had scope to play the enjoyable department of Britishness character more.
That didn’t take away from this being a unique stand-up experience that enabled audiences to understand Britishness a little better.
Him being able to maintain the momentum from start to finish meant the audiences were captivated by the journey they were taken on, from a colonial past to constantly complaining about the British weather. It is no wonder that Pal is widely regarded as the cleverest Indian stand-up comedian on the circuit.
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.