Popular actress Saumya Tandon is in Kashmir, shooting and spending a good vacation. The Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai actress is in all praise of the changes she can witness in the state especially in terms of development in the status of women and destination feeling "nicer and safer".
She shared her experience via her Instagram handle on Monday with a beautiful video where she can be seen sitting in a boat dressed up in a pink suit with several flower bouquets on her side.
She shared her thoughts on visiting Kashmir, she said, "Here I am once again in Kashmir. This is my second time and I have fallen in love yet again. I have decided that I am going to come here every season because Kashmir is magic every season. I remember it used to be, you know, like a dream to come to Kashmir, to come here, and it has become a reality now. So "much nicer-safer" much nicer, and safer I feel that people are so warm to the tourist. It's so friendly to shoot here I have met so wonderful people; I have made friends with them."
"I get to know some lovely stories of women who are doing so well, women who are empowered, independent, and getting educated. Women are reviving their art and crafts and are trying to become entrepreneurs and it's such a happy change, Saumya added to describe her thoughts on the development in status of women in the state.
It's such a good feeling and I am giving it to the universe that I am going to come here and shoot like a Kashmiri girl very soon. You don't want to miss this, experience Kashmir, come here and fall in love," Tandon concluded.
Sharing the video, she wrote, "Falling in love with #Kashmir again. Shooting and holidaying. It's truly magical."
Saumya has extended her shoot to have a good vacation in this picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir.
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.