INDIA’S first lady of stand-up comedy returned to London’s iconic Soho Theatre with her latest laughter-filled show.
The fearless comic shared her journey to the base camp of Mount Everest, recounting the experience in an entertaining way. From being a reluctant participant to tackling the rollercoaster trek, Mittal mixed in humorous moments from that long walk.
Her story included yaks, sherpas, a rescue helicopter, and snacks, yet she also veered off into diverse topics.
These ranged from Gujaratis and corporate events to sex, gay marriage, height issues, and body shape.
Although many of these topics seemed unrelated to her Nepal adventure, the skilful comedian stitched them together into a seamless set. This clearly delighted a cross-cultural audience. Her relatable observations about various situations only deepened that connection.
Mittal’s deeply expressive delivery brought raw emotion to the situations and characters she encountered. Her trademark razor-sharp observations about the world today added another layer to the performance.
She surprised the audience with unexpected jokes, including a few X-rated ones, which drew roars of laughter. These moments added an element of surprise to her set.
The Himalayan setting also gave the show a unique backdrop. By being absolutely fearless on stage, Mittal shed the constraints that many Indian stand-up comedians might feel bound by. This boldness offered audiences a distinct experience. Her ability to cross cultural barriers was evident, with non-Asian audience members equally enjoying the show.
This relatability could have led to more interaction with the audience, who clearly wanted to befriend Mittal and join her on a trek. However, this minor missed opportunity did not detract from Bad Altitude reaching great heights. It perfectly justified Mittal making a big deal out of not actually scaling Mount Everest.
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.