INDIA’S biggest reality series Bigg Boss enjoyed recordbreaking success in season 13 and that is why life hasn’t been the same for participant Paras Chhabra since then.
In the past 18 months he has enjoyed a lot of popularity, which has included starring in music videos that have clocked up tens of millions of views.
The actor is now looking forward to taking on more challenges. Paras Chhabra spoke to Eastern Eye about life since Bigg Boss 13 ended, future hopes and dream roles.
What has life been like since Bigg Boss 13?
I experienced massive popularity when I came out from Bigg Boss 13. Everybody knows me and wants to click a picture with me. You can’t go anywhere as a normal person. It has its own set of drawbacks too. You can’t do or behave the way you want. You can’t even go to a temple because there are people who want to get clicked with you and mob you every time. Sometimes we also want to be left alone and not be under the public radar 24/7. It frustrates me sometimes, but Bigg Boss surely gave me fame and I’m grateful for that.
How do you look back on that whole experience?
I did Bigg Boss like every other reality show. And somewhere I knew that I’m going in Bigg Boss to leave my mark there. We played like normal people only but now everyone knows us for our real selves. I enjoyed every day in that house. When we were inside, it felt different and when we came out there were different scenarios. The viewers also became a huge part of the show. It is a normal reality show, but they made it huge, and everyone got attached to the show eventually. It was a fabulous experience to cherish.
Which of the music videos have you enjoyed starring in most since then?
I have enjoyed all the music videos because I like to act. But if I had to choose then I love the winter season and this winter we shot a music video in Kashmir that was Rang Lageya. So, now Rang Lageya is my favourite.
What is your career plan?
I’m planning to turn into a producer. I have created a song in a production house and want to open my own music label where I want to release that song. But right now, I’m focusing on acting. I’ll be doing songs, films, or web series, whichever comes my way. I just want to open my business, build it, and keep it aside. But acting is on.
Is finding a good role the biggest challenge?
Yes, it is very difficult to get a good role. There are so many things. Firstly, there should be roles written that help you in progressing your repertoire, and then if there is a role like that, the casting people should also have faith in you and your skills for that character. So, there are so many things which have to be aligned in order to get you that dream role.
Do you have a dream role?
I have two. Firstly, Ranbir Kapoor’s character from his movie Rockstar, which is every actor’s dream role. It’s a very strong role and he has played it very well. Another is R Madhavan’s role from Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. These two are on my bucket list.
What else can we expect next from you?
Right now, I am coming up with various songs. This year you will be seeing me in a lot of songs. Then you might see me in a web series, film, or maybe another reality show.
Who would you love to work with in future?
I would love to work with Mahira Sharma as we share a comfort zone and most importantly,
she is a great actor, and you want to work with such actors.
Would you participate in another reality TV show?
I might if a good reality show comes my way.
What inspires you?
The script of a show or project is what inspires me most. A good script is always my priority.
What is the biggest life lesson lockdown has taught you?
Don’t ever stop exercising. You must work out every day. If the gym is not open, you can do it at home, but you should never skip a workout.
Instagram: @parasvchhabrra
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.