After making a mark in the television industry, Mohit Raina is now impressing everyone with his performance on digital platforms. The actor will next be seen in Amazon Prime Video’s series Mumbai Diaries 26/11 which also stars Konkona Sensharma in the lead role.
Mohit plays the role of a doctor in the series, and recently when we interacted with him, we asked him what preparations he did for his character, to which the actor said, “We have tried our level best to look like authentic doctors but it is not possible. They do something that’s really magical. I remember when Mr. Advani approached me for the series, I called a doctor friend of mine and I told him I need to come and see how you work. He told me that you can come and spend as much time as you want. But, I told him that I want access to OT (operation theatre), so he said that’s not possible, in OT only patients, doctors and medical professionals are allowed. At that point of time, the actor in me was so excited like a child that if it was possible I would have gone and studied M.B.B.S.”
“We had workshops and we had a doctor with us who was personally present on that night (26/11) in a hospital. So, he was kind enough to share his experience with us, and he taught us a lot. We used to sit with a pen and a diary and write our notes. We were quite scared as it’s been a long we all studied, but that was fun. We had 2 times National Award winner, Konkona Sensharma sitting there and making her notes and I was like if a National Award winner has to do it, then I have to pull up my socks,” Mohit added.
When we asked him if he was nervous to share screen space with Konkona, the actor said, “Yes, I was. The first shot I gave with her I told Nikkhil (Advani) sir I need one more rehearsal. So, he was kind enough and he told me I don’t want to take away the moment from you; you do your rehearsal and whenever you are ready then we will do it. So, I enjoyed the moment when I shared the screen with her.”
“She is such a simple and a beautiful actress, and an amazing human being. I think it was a great experience working with her. I wish I get to work with her again. I don’t think I have ever wished that I get an opportunity to work with a certain actor again. But, it’s genuinely my wish that I get an opportunity to do something more with her,” he added.
Created by Nikkhil Advani under his banner Emmay Entertainment, Mumbai Diaries 26/11 is a medical drama set against the backdrop of terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on 26th November 2008. The series will premiere on 9th September 2021.
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.