Veteran actor-director Deepti Naval says it was unfortunate the Indian film industry was being labelled as "the worst place in the world", a perception she wants to change through a future book.
Naval, known for her starring roles in Chashme Buddoor, Katha, Kissi Se Na Kehna, and Saath Saath, was speaking at the release of her memoir A Country Called Childhood which was launched by veteran actor Sharmila Tagore on Tuesday.
Asked if she was open to writing more books, the 70-year-old actor said, "I would definitely speak or write about some of (my) wonderful experiences in the film industry. These days the whole world is out there on the net giving a lot of gaalis (abuses) to the film industry. It's come under flak for various reasons, real, unreal, I can't make out. This is not the industry I know."
Naval said her experiences in showbiz were "very different" from the ones that were being discussed on social media these days. "What all is going on in the tweets or remarks on the net, I don't relate to that because I've met some wonderful people. There are all kinds of people everywhere, in every profession, or area of life. Right now, the industry is being singled out as the worst place in the world to be in," she added.
The actor said she had no qualms about doing "very little work" in films as she wanted to be choosy. "My colleagues had done 250 films, whereas I've done only 100 films. But I'm okay with that. If I was consumed by Hindi cinema, I wouldn't feel the need to write or paint or go on treks," she said, adding she now wants to work more.
Naval, who was last seen in 2021's Disney+ Hotstar series "Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors", also praised streamers for opening avenues for artistes. "Today, people who are looking for a break can put out their stuff online and get reactions. A lot more actors and technicians in Bombay are getting work today due to OTT."
A Country Called Childhood, published by Aleph, is billed as a "one-of-its-kind, comprehensive look into the childhood of painter-actor-writer Deepti Naval". The actor said she had started taking notes for her memoir around 20 years ago. She would sit with a recorder and ask her parents about their lives together as a family as well as individuals, she said.
A Country Called Childhood, however, started taking shape five years ago. She wanted her parents, whom she lost in the last few years, to read the book, said Naval. "I shared a whole lot of life with my parents because of the writing of this book. It made me sit with them and know about how they looked at their life in old age, and their struggles to make our lives," she added.
Amritsar-born Naval said she wanted to be an actor right from childhood and would often collect pictures of popular stars Meena Kumari, Nanda, and Sadhana. A trained Kathak dancer, the actor said it was ironic how she was never offered a dancing role in her entire career. "I learned Kathak so passionately because I thought I'll become an actor. So dancing is (part of films). I never danced in my films. It's really cruel," she quipped.
In her memoir, Naval also writes about running away from her home to see the mountains as shown in Kashmir-set films Kashmir Ki Kali and Jab Jab Phool Khile, an anecdote noted writer-lyricist Gulzar encouraged her to add in the book.
"Gulzar Saab said 'If you don't write about that (incident) in your book, what did you even write about? If you don't write about it, you're not giving the whole picture of who you are, you're being dishonest'."
The actor admitted it was a flashback moment for her when she started writing about the incident. "When I met him (Gulzar) recently at the Shimla Literature Festival, he again asked me, 'Did you write about that?' And I said, 'Yes, I did!'."
Tagore said it was an honour for her to launch close friend and colleague Naval's book. "She is a sensitive actor, writer, poet, painter, filmmaker, but above all, a thinker. In this book, she delves into her childhood with admirable honesty and artistic vision. And the end result is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of evocative vignettes which hold you spellbound... When you're exploring Deepti's journey, you will also explore yours.”
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.