The newly published book Dr Chintal’s Kitchen: Quick, easy, healthy meals the whole family will love is a welcome addition to any home cook's library. This practical and engaging cookbook caters to a wide audience, offering accessible recipes and a celebration of global flavours.
Author, Dr Chintal Patel’s culinary journey starts with a cherished steel cookery set brought from Kenya and goes beyond merely collecting recipes. Readers will learn about the importance of building a foundation in nutrition, with clear and easy-to-understand explanations of essential food groups such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. This empowers seasoned chefs as well as novices to make informed choices while exploring the vibrant world of spices and pantry staples.
Structured chapters offer a user-friendly experience. Whether one is seeking inspiration for everyday meals or solutions for busy weeks, the book delivers. There are recipes for fish tacos featuring a vibrant mango salsa and a comforting spiced chicken burger, among others.
For those short on time, there are dedicated sections on quick and nutritious 15-minute meals and timesaving traybakes.
Dietary needs are also considered, with chapters on ‘meat-free Monday’ delights like paneer hotdogs, balanced by healthier options for indulgent Friday evenings.
The focus on simplicity will resonate with beginners and experienced cooks alike, with accessible recipes presented clearly and concisely, using readily available ingredients. Forget intimidating recipe ingredient lists; the author champions a stress-free approach, relying on a core set of seven key spices. Stunning photographs, all taken by the author, showcase the dishes beautifully, adding another layer of inspiration.
This wonderfully crafted book takes the reader on travels around the globe so they can discover a world of flavours.
Indian-inspired curries, Italian classics, African-inspired dishes, and Middle Eastern flavours reflect the author's global travels and cooking experience.
Packed with fun, wholesome recipes, this book is a celebration of healthy eating with delicious food and an essential addition to any kitchen. It will inspire readers to embark on a cooking adventure from the comfort of their own home.
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.