When Sabyasachi Mukherjee decided to mark his 25th year in fashion with a grand showcase, he broke one of his own long-standing rules by inviting Deepika Padukone to open the show. It was the first time he ever brought a Bollywood star onto his runway, and he’s clear it will likely be the last. But for Deepika, he made an exception.
“I’ve never featured Bollywood at my shows,” Sabyasachi admitted. “But for my 25th anniversary, I wanted it to be personal. Deepika was the only person I could think of who carries the essence of what I believe in: tradition, modernity, and a certain quiet strength that speaks for India on a global stage.”
Commanding the spotlight: Deepika Padukone becomes Sabyasachi’s first Bollywood muse at his milestone showcase
Deepika’s return to the ramp was beyond just a fashion moment. It was her first runway appearance since the birth of her daughter, Dua, and her presence was nothing short of a showstopper: striking, unforgettable, and full of intent. Effortlessly elegant, she opened the show with the grace and stature that have come to define her, not just as an actor but as one of India’s most recognisable global icons.
Deepika Padukone’s show-stopping moment as she returns to the ramp for Sabyasachi’s landmark 25th anniversary
Over the years, Deepika has steadily shaped her place on the world stage. She became the first Indian to represent Louis Vuitton and Cartier, breaking barriers in the international luxury space and opening the door for others to follow. Just recently, she attended Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week, continuing her association with the world’s top fashion houses.
Her appearance at Sabyasachi’s show felt like a homecoming of sorts. The designer and actor share a long-standing friendship, but this moment was also about something larger. As Sabyasachi put it, “She is, in so many ways, Brand India.”
In a rare runway appearance, Deepika Padukone opens Sabyasachi’s 25-year celebration show, embodying global Indian glamour
For someone who has consciously kept film stars away from his catwalk, Sabyasachi’s decision to have Deepika lead his milestone show speaks volumes. And if the response is anything to go by, the audience agreed she was missed, and now she’s back.
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.