Sparking a debate online, actor George Clooney has sarcastically claimed that his version of Batman in Batman and Robin is the “best.”
For the uninitiated, Clooney played the role of Batman aka Bruce Wayne in the 1997 film Batman & Robin with Chris O’Donnell, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, the actor did not receive glowing reviews from critics and audiences for his performance. Basically, it was panned left, right, and center.
More than two decades later, Clooney has proclaimed himself ‘the best Batman of all time’ and added that Ben Affleck, who portrayed the iconic superhero in DC Extended Universe, had “nothing on him.”
In a video posted by The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner, the 61-year-old was seen speaking at an open house event in Los Angeles. Jokingly making a Batman reference in front of the crowd, he said, “When you think of me, you think, “He's just the best Batman of all time.”
He went on to add, “No, I know what you’re thinking… the best Batman? Yes, I mean, Ben Affleck, really? No, he’s got nothing on me.”
During an interview with Variety when questioned why he was not asked to reprise his version of Batman in the forthcoming film The Flash, the actor replied, “When you destroy a franchise the way I did, usually they look the other way when The Flash comes by.”
After Clooney's dismal performance in Batman and Robin, Batman was kept on hold for eight years before Christopher Nolan finally revived it with Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader. Since then, Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson have portrayed the role of Batman on the big screen.
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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.