Deepika Padukone recently shared her thoughts on India’s history at the Oscars, pointing out how several deserving Indian films have been overlooked by the Academy. The Bollywood star, who presented at the 2023 Academy Awards, reflected on the moment when RRR’s "Naatu Naatu" won Best Original Song and how it felt deeply personal to her.
In a behind-the-scenes video posted on Instagram while getting ready for the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, Deepika opened up about her views on Indian films not getting their due recognition at the Oscars. "India has been robbed of the Oscars many times. So many deserving movies and talented people have been ignored," she said. She recalled sitting in the audience during the 2023 ceremony when RRR won and admitted to getting emotional. "I had nothing to do with the movie, but it was a huge moment. It felt very personal," she added.
Her comments have reignited discussions about Indian films that have been critically acclaimed but failed to make it to the Oscars. The video included clips from films like Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light," Kiran Rao's "Laapataa Ladies," Rahi Anil Barve's "Tumbbad," and Ritesh Batra's "The Lunchbox." Each of these films received international praise but did not get nominated for an Oscar.
Deepika also spoke about this year’s Oscars and mentioned that one win that made her particularly happy was Adrien Brody’s Best Actor award for "The Brutalist." She praised his performance, calling it well-deserved.
Instagram/DeepikaPadukone roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms
Beyond discussing the Academy Awards, Deepika made history in the fashion world by attending the Louis Vuitton show at the Cour Carrée du Louvre. She is the first Indian to be signed as a global ambassador for both Louis Vuitton and Cartier, solidifying her influence on the global stage.
The actress slams the Oscars for repeatedly ignoring Indian films despite global acclaimGetty Images
Her statements have resonated with fans, who praised her for addressing the lack of recognition Indian cinema receives internationally. Many believe that while "Naatu Naatu" winning was a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go for Indian films to receive consistent recognition at the Oscars.
Deepika recalls the emotional moment when India won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2023Getty Images
As Bollywood continues to produce high-quality films that make waves globally, the hope remains that more Indian cinema will get the acknowledgement it deserves on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
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.