EXPLOSIVE Indian talent Biswa Kalyan Rath returns to London’s Soho Theatre with his incendiary brand of stand-up comedy, packed with joke-fuelled bombs.
The confrontational comic from Mumbai delves into topics such as the English language, love, marriage, work, family dynamics, and cross-border curiosity.
Thousands have already experienced his latest show, adding to an impressive journey that has taken him from YouTube stardom to streaming success and performances at sold-out, packed venues around the world.
Eastern Eye caught up with the popular comedian, who has over 465,000 Instagram followers, to talk about comedy, his new show Hinglish & Engdi, being rebellious, his inspirations, and the British habit he has embraced.
What do you love most about stand-up comedy?
Stand-up feels like dining at my favourite restaurant with friends – except here, I get paid. It is my way of venting about life’s absurdities, one joke at a time. The applause is also good to hear.
How does it feel to be back at Soho Theatre with your new show?
I have said this before: Soho Theatre is one of the best venues in the world. It feels like home whenever I perform in London. I look forward to a cosy couple of weeks.
Tell us about your new show, Hinglish & Engdi.
This show has been the most fun I have ever had making a special. It has something for everyone – whether it is my experience with the English language, house hunting in a metro like Mumbai, or navigating government offices.
What inspired the title?
The title is a mix of my bit about South Bombay’s elite and their hip lingo, combined with the search for something amusing.
How does this show compare to your previous stand-up specials?
While I stick to my core style of observational and rant comedy, this show provides deeper insights into my life and experiences over the past few years.
Would you describe yourself as a rebellious comedian?
Rebellious? Me? Absolutely not. I am a staunch defender of the status quo. I love tradition, respect authority, and hate change. I am basically the opposite of a rebel – unless, of course, you consider poking fun at daily life and challenging societal norms rebellious. In that case, I am the most rebellious person you will ever meet.
You have performed a lot in the UK, including at the Edinburgh Fringe. Have you picked up any British habits?
Yes – I have started enjoying queuing. Cheers to that.
Has the UK influenced or inspired your comedy?
Constantly. There are many comedians here to learn from. I have been inspired by people like Stewart Lee, Ricky Gervais, Hugh Laurie, and Stephen Fry.
Has your sense of humour ever gotten you out of trouble?
No. My comedy is strictly reserved for the stage.
How do you usually feel before going on stage?
I feel excited, confident, and energised, ready to give a great performance, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment onstage.
Is there a message you hope to convey?
If you are trying to navigate life, marriage, and government offices, you cannot really miss this show.
Biswa Kalyan Rath: Hinglish & Engdi at Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE from Monday, November 4, to Saturday, November 16. www. sohotheatre.com
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.