Elli AvrRam has made a mark in Bollywood with films like Mickey Virus, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, and others. Now she is all set to take over the digital world with her performance in the web series The Verdict - State vs Nanavati. The series is based on the infamous K. M. Nanavati case that took place in 1959.
Elli plays the role of Sylvia Nanavati in the series and when we recently met her she revealed that she was offered the same role four years ago for a woman-oriented film. When asked if she was aware about the case, Elli said, “I was aware about it because I had done a meeting for the same role like four years back when it was supposed to be made as a woman-oriented movie. It was supposed to be Sylvia’s story. So, that’s when I got to know about the case. I was really fascinated like this has happened. So, I knew a lot about this case. But that movie never happened, so that’s why I got excited when I got this role now.”
When asked her about her take on the extramarital affair or infidelity, the actress said, “As Elli AvrRam before playing the role of Sylvia I would say that I would not accept it at all, and it would be an end of my relationship. But after getting into the skin of Sylvia, understanding the script, and understanding what life must have been like, it is a matter of understanding your partner and understanding why this happened, and then take it from there. I can’t really any more now say that it would be the end of it.”
The Verdict - State vs Nanavati also stars Manav Kaul, Sumeet Vyas, Viraf Patel, Soni Razdan, Angad Bedi, Kubbra Sait, and Pooja Gaur. The web series started streaming today on Alt Balaji and Zee5.
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.