WHAT makes this book stand out among recent publications is its fantasy setting in a reimagined India, where dreams can be captured and bottled. This debut novel by Cambridge-based author Nazima Pathan is unique, unpredictable, and filled with surprises.
The story centers on a brave 12-year-old protagonist named Mimi, who studies the ancient practice of making, capturing, and recycling dreams. She resides in a citadel with her aunt because her parents have been imprisoned by the king for treason. When Mimi uncovers a sinister plot to transform the citadel from a healing place of dreamcraft into one of terrifying nightmares, she embarks on a quest to save the king.
During her journey, Mimi must also confront the harsh realities of everything she believed to be true, including her supposedly trustworthy aunt and the imprisonment of her parents. Assisted by her best friend and a dream creature, Mimi’s journey becomes one of self-discovery. The world of dreams and reality collides wonderfully in this beautifully written book, which excels at building a new, imagined world.
It combines adventure, emotion, and cultural insight, appealing to fans of magical realism. The well-paced narrative explores family, friendship, and finding inner strength when all hope seems lost. Pathan strikes a fine balance between humor, serious moments, and mystical elements.
Unlike most novels that focus mainly on the main protagonist, Dream Hunters features a colourful array of likable supporting characters, adding to its charm. While primarily aimed at children, there is plenty here for older readers, who will likely devour the pages.
A few more elements of Indian culture could have been woven into the narrative, and some might find the prose challenging. However, these aspects do not detract from the book’s standing as a noteworthy addition to the genre, potentially the first in a thrilling series.
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.