Besides Karan Deol and Sahher Bambba, Sunny Deol’s romantic film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019) also marked the silver screen debut of actor Aakash Ahuja. Irrespective of the movie’s fate at the box-office, Ahuja’s performance in a negative role did win appreciation from critics and audiences.
Before taking a plunge into Bollywood, the actor did a couple of shows on Indian television. Unlike many television actors who start maintaining a distance from the small screen after graduating to movies, Aakash says he will continue working on TV, though his focus will be more on films.
Recently, Eastern Eye caught up with the young actor to know more about him, his entry in showbiz, the kinds of roles that he wants to pursue here on, his experience of working with Sunny Deol and the cast of Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, and much more.
Your performance in your debut movie Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas caught many people's attention. How do you feel?
I feel elated and lucky for my debut in Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas. I am thankful to those people who were so kind to me and the lovely audience who liked my performance. I hope that they continue to shower their love and affection on me.
Did it hurt you that the film did not do well commercially?
Yeah, it did hurt because Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas took a lot of time and efforts. The time that this movie took to make is equivalent to making of 3-4 films and there were so many people involved in the unit who worked day and night to make this film a success. Though the movie did not live up to the expectations, there was honesty in the work. Well, the audience does have the right to judge and they did as well. So, I respect their decisions.
Before venturing into films, you have done television and web shows. Now that you have begun your career in movies, will TV take a backseat for you?
No, TV will always be my love as it is where I started my career from. In my acting career, television has taught me a lot but for now, I am focusing more on films.
How different is television from movies?
Television is way too different from movies but being an actor it’s the same. Being an actor, we just have to perform the script, the scene that is given to us by the director. What changes is the camera, the setup and the audience.
What types of roles do you want to pursue from here on?
I think I am too new to categories myself as I want to explore my talent a lot as an actor. So, it’s too early to restrict myself.
How did you bag Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas?
Kabir Sinha was the casting director for the film who was looking for the antagonist. So, there were a lot of people standing in the queue and for the villain role, like any other actor, I was also one of them. After the introduction session, there were different stages of auditions I went through and that is how I got selected.
How was it to working with Karan and Sahher?
It was really good experience working with Karan and Sahher. They both are way too sweet and equally hardworking. I had a great time while working with them.
How was Sunny Deol as a filmmaker?
Sunny Deol sir in person is very understanding, very warm and a very kind person. As a filmmaker, he is very passionate and hard working. He always made sure that I am giving my 100% in the film, and he always goes with his heart. Personally, I admire him a lot.
Are you working on some other projects?
I am just about to start with one but can’t disclose it.
Tell us something about your background.
I am from Delhi, born to a Punjabi family. I come from a very simple family. During my school days, I joined theatre and that is where I got attracted towards this profession. I developed my love for acting in school days after completing my high school. After that, I started getting work in TV shows. I am also a black belt champion in Shotokan karate. Even my father is a former national champion in karate. I completed MBA while pursuing acting.
Did you always want to be an actor?
It was not something that I dreamt about since I was a kid but growing up in school and taking part in theatres and plays, I understood this was my calling. I liked being on stage and being able to play different characters.
Do you have any message for aspiring actors?
I would like to tell them that believe in yourself and don’t fall for the negatives. There are ups and downs, so be patient and always be prepared. The key to success is discipline and perseverance. Make sure that you stand out from the crowd and give your best.
Besides acting, what else attracts you?
When I am not acting, I like to paint. Like most of the people, music attracts me a lot. Usually, I sit with my guitar and starts singing.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.