Malaika Arora started her career as a model, but it was the huge success of the dance number “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” from the 1998 Bollywood film Dil Se, which brought her fame and recognition. There has been no looking back for her ever since.
Malaika Arora can be currently seen as a judge on the first season of Sony Entertainment Television’s new dance realty show, India’s Best Dancer. Besides her, well-known choreographers Geeta Kapoor and Terence Lewis also grace the judging panel on the show which hit the airwaves on 29th February, 2020.
Ask her how much has dance helped her in real life, and Malaika Arora says, “Personally, dance has added another feather to my cap, and I am glad to have had some amazing songs in my career. They would not have been that huge a success had it not been for the impeccable dance and moves. In movies, “Chaiyaa Chaiyaa” with Shah Rukh Khan became my big break and since then there has been no looking back. I also believe that helped me get to a position where I am able to judge dance shows today.
Adding further, she says, “All said and done, I believe dance is not only about letting your creativity have a form, but also about helping develop discipline and dedication in life. While one should dance for the pure joy of having a good time, to be able to master anything it is important to cultivate consistency and commitment because only then will you succeed.”
India's Best Dancer Season 1 airs between 8 PM to 9 PM on Saturday and Sunday only on Sony Entertainment Television.
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Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.