Veteran actor Chiranjeevi was honoured by the UK’s House of Commons on 19th March, recognising his contributions to public service and cultural leadership. The Telugu cinema icon was greeted by members of the British Parliament, ministers, under-secretaries, and diplomats during the event.
As part of the ceremony, Chiranjeevi received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Public Service through Cultural Leadership from Bridge India, a UK-based organisation focused on improving public policy. This award holds special significance as it marks the first time Bridge India has presented a lifetime achievement award to an individual, highlighting the actor’s influence both in cinema and in philanthropic endeavours.
Chiranjeevi took to social media to express his deep gratitude, sharing his appreciation for the recognition. “Heart filled with gratitude for the honour at the House of Commons – UK Parliament by so many esteemed members of Parliament, ministers and under-secretaries, and diplomats. Humbled by their kind words. Heartened by the Lifetime Achievement Award by Team Bridge India,” he posted.
In addition to his illustrious film career, Chiranjeevi is widely known for his humanitarian work. He is the founder of the Chiranjeevi Eye and Blood Bank in Hyderabad, which has been actively involved in providing life-saving services to people in need. His philanthropic efforts have earned him widespread praise, further reinforcing his status as a cultural leader both in India and internationally.
The actor emphasised that this recognition will serve as added motivation to continue his work in humanitarian causes, a testament to his dedication beyond the screen. Chiranjeevi’s contributions, both as a film star and a philanthropist, continue to leave a lasting impact, and this latest honour from the House of Commons further cements his legacy in public service.
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.