Deepika Padukone turned heads at the Cartier High Jewellery event in Dubai, making a striking statement with an extraordinary necklace from the luxury brand’s latest collection. The Bollywood star, who has been Cartier’s High Jewellery Global Ambassador since 2022, attended the grand celebration marking Cartier’s 25th anniversary in the UAE. The event, held at the Al Shindagha Museum, also introduced the 'A Journey of Wonders' exhibition, which showcases some of the brand’s finest creations.
For the occasion, Deepika adorned the Chryseis necklace from Cartier’s Nature Sauvage collection, an exquisite masterpiece that redefines elegance. This unique piece draws inspiration from butterfly wings, featuring intricate black-and-white detailing that mirrors nature’s delicate patterns. The contrast between these fine details and the soft chalcedony beads enhances the necklace’s sophisticated charm. At its heart lies a breath-taking 63.76-carat rubellite stone, an exceptional gem that embodies Cartier’s signature colour palette of red, green, and black. The rubellite’s rich hue and impressive size make it a true showstopper, elevating the necklace’s opulence to another level.
Cartier’s Chryseis necklace stuns with its intricate butterfly-inspired design and a breath-taking 63.76-carat rubellite centrepieceInstagram/cartier
Styled by Shaleena Nathani, Deepika complemented the necklace with a custom black gown designed by Jade by Monica and Karishma. The off-shoulder silhouette with voluminous puff sleeves provided the perfect dramatic effect to highlight the statement jewellery. Her beauty look, created by makeup artist Anil C and hairstylist Gabriel Georgiou, featured a classic smoky eye, a sun-kissed complexion, and a sleek bun accessorised with a black ribbon.
The evening was nothing short of regal, with Deepika making an entrance accompanied by two models dressed in Cartier’s signature red bellboy uniforms. Photographed by Vaishnav Praveen against the dramatic backdrop of Dubai’s skyline, her presence at the event was truly captivating.
Sharing moments from the evening on social media, Deepika expressed her joy, calling it "an exquisite evening with my friends at Cartier." Her association with the brand continues to cement her position as a global fashion icon bringing a blend of elegance with contemporary luxury.
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.