Popular television actor Dheeraj Dhoopar, who was psyched up about turning host for the upcoming season of hit dance reality show Dance India Dance on ZEE TV, quit the show a couple of hours ago. Initially, he was gung-ho about being a part of DID 7 and working with judges like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bosco Martis and Raftaar. However, as the channel started shooting back-to-back episodes, the handsome television star found it extremely difficult to shoot for two shows at the same time.
For the uninitiated, Dheeraj Dhoopar is playing the male lead on Ekta Kapoor’s popular soap opera Kundali Bhagya. It was getting quite hectic for him to manage two shows side by side. Also, the actor claimed that he had some commitment issues due to which he decided to put his papers down ahead of the launch of the show. Interestingly, Kundali Bhagya also airs on ZEE TV.
With Dheeraj Dhoopar exiting the show hours before its launch, ZEE TV has now, reportedly, signed popular television actor Karan Wahi as the new host. Karan is not new to hosting as he has previously hosted a number of successful reality shows including Nach Baliye, Indian Idol, India’s Next Superstar and many more.
Dance India Dance 7, produced by Essel Vision Productions, is set to premiere on 22nd June, 2019, only on ZEE TV. The show marks the small screen debut of seasoned Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan. She is one of the judges on the show along with choreographer-turned-filmmaker Bosco Martis and singer-rapper Raftaar.
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.