The creative force behind Doctor Who, Russell T Davies, has spoken out about criticism aimed at the show for being “too woke.” His message? He’s not interested in appeasing online outrage. The BBC sci-fi series recently made headlines for introducing its first-ever non-white lead duo. Ncuti Gatwa returns as the Doctor, joined by newcomer Varada Sethu as companion Belinda Chandra.
But some viewers took to the internet to complain that the show had become overly focused on diversity. Davies, speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Doctor Who: 20 Secrets from 20 Years, brushed aside the complaints. He said what some call “woke” or “diverse,” he simply sees as making space for everyone. “It’s not some agenda,” he said. “It’s just how life looks now.”
Russell T Davies, Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson, and the Doctor Who team attend the U.S. premiere Getty Images
He also added that restricting stories to one narrow point of view makes writing stale. “Why would you box yourself in?” he asked. “There’s more joy and honesty in writing from a world that actually reflects what we see around us.”
This season’s casting choices have certainly sparked conversation, but the actors themselves see that as a good sign. Sethu told Radio Times that hearing the show called “Doctor Woke” only confirmed for her that they were doing the right thing. “To me, it just means we’re being inclusive,” she said. “Doctor Who has always been about doing the right thing. This is no different.”
Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu in a still from Doctor WhoScreengrab
Gatwa, the first Black actor to take on the iconic role of the Doctor, echoed the same thoughts. He called the shift in casting “progress,” a step closer to reflecting real life on screen. But he also hoped for a future where such casting no longer feels groundbreaking. “It should just be normal,” he said.
The show has long evolved with the times, from introducing its first female Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker in 2017, to tackling deeper social issues under Davies’ direction. But for the showrunner, none of this is about chasing trends. It’s simply storytelling that mirrors the world outside the TARDIS.
Despite online noise and rumours about the show’s future, Doctor Who continues to push forward, powered by a creative team that believes in representation not as a political statement, but as a reflection of reality.
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.