By: Mohnish Singh
The coronavirus pandemic has had devastating effects on every aspect of human life, leaving deep and longstanding scars on our mental health. The pandemic has gravely wounded the world economy, with people losing work within the blink of an eye. Every business has suffered, and showbiz is no different.
Actor Arjan Bajwa, whose filmography includes such notable films as Fashion (2008), Rustom (2016), and Kabir Singh (2019) recently shared that how his acting assignments have been facing setbacks as the bane of the ongoing pandemic.
“Post Kabir Singh, a lot of work was coming my way, but it kind of stalled because of the uncertainty. The projects and dates went for a toss. It was all planned well, but gradually some of the films or web shows were shelved and the others were delayed. At the start of the lockdown last year, luckily, my digital project ZEE5's State of Siege 26/11 released where I was leading the pack, so I expected that things would move much faster, but there was a six-month lull due to the lockdown. The only silver lining is that I bagged a great digital project for Amazon after that and I am looking forward to it,” he told a publication.
Bajwa, who also works down south, believes that creating a space in Bollywood is more difficult than working in regional cinema. “Hindi films are not limited to one state. Bollywood is a much bigger industry in terms of reach as Hindi films are watched all over the world. So, when the stakes are so high it is going to be tough to make your way and stay here. Having said that, when it is about making it big in showbiz, a lot depends on luck. Destiny plays a huge role in this game,” he concluded.
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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.