Renowned Bollywood actress Divya Dutta, whose filmography is as versatile as it gets with a string of such notable films as Veer-Zaara (2004), Delhi 6 (2009), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), is on cloud nine after being nominated for the Best Performance award for her film Sheer Qorma at Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival. This is the first time when an Indian actor has been nominated at LADFF.
Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, Sheer Qorma is an LGBTQ romance that also features Swara Bhasker in the parallel lead. While Bhasker plays a Pakistani Canadian in the short film, Dutta’s character is of Indian origin.
Sharing her excitement, the National Film Award-winning actress says, “My director, Faraz Arif Ansari, gave me the news. I did not know that and I am super excited because this is the first nomination for me, and then being the first Indian, was a big high. This film is doing very special things.”
Recalling her time on the sets of the film, she adds, “Every film is destined. The best thing that happened was the way we shot the scenes. Sometimes, the scene itself goes beyond it, and it has happened with me before in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), and now, Sheer Qorma. Something beyond the script happened.”
Dutta, who made her digital debut with Neeraj Pandey’s critically acclaimed streaming show Special OPS in 2020), says that the LGBTQI+ community has reacted positively to the film. “Many people from the LGBTQI+ community have been messaging Faraz. This film is doing what it needed to do, reaching out to people,” she adds.
Divya Dutta next will be seen in the upcoming spy thriller titled Dhaakad. The film also stars Kangana Ranaut and Arjun Rampal in lead roles. It is expected to arrive in theatres in 2022.
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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.