Nowadays, Bollywood actresses are not just a showpiece in movies. They play substantial characters and also their profession is given importance in the narrative. Recently, we heard that Shraddha Kapoor will be seen playing the role of an air hostess in the upcoming film Baaghi 3. Well, she won't be the first actress to portray the character of an air hostess on the silver screen.
So, today let’s look at the actresses who have played the role of an air hostess on the big screen…
Madhuri Dixit
1994 release Anjaam had Madhuri Dixit playing the role of an air hostess. Shah Rukh Khan’s character in the film falls in love with Madhuri’s character and starts following her in her flights. There’s also a song that was shot on the backdrop of an airport. It is clearly one of the best performances of Madhuri Dixit.
Bipasha Basu
In Rohit Shetty’s directorial debut Zameen, Bipasha Basu played the role of an air hostess. Her flight gets hijacked and Bipasha’s character very well manages the situation. The movie didn’t do well at the box office, but Bipasha’s performance was appreciated.
Soha Ali Khan
Soha Ali Khan in her debut film, Dil Maange More, played the role of an air hostess. The movie showcased how Soha’s character opts to shift to Mumbai from a small town to fulfill her dreams. The movie starred Shahid Kapoor opposite Soha in the film.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt’s character in Badrinath Ki Dulhania runs away on the day of her wedding to become an air hostess. The movie was a love story but tackled the issue of dowry system in our country. Well, we must say that Alia actually looked like a proper air hostess in the film.
Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor played the role of an air hostess in Neerja. She was simply outstanding in the film and even won a National Award for her performance. The movie was a biopic on Neerja Bhanot who died while saving the life of people on a hijacked flight.
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.