By Asjad Nazir.
TALENTED Shraddha Arya has shown off her remarkable range as an actress and in the process, got herself some dedicated fans around the world. Two of these admirers
have teamed-up to run a popular fan club dedicated to the star. Eastern Eye caught up with them to find out more.
What made you set up the fan club?
It was to show our love and appreciation for Shraddha after seeing her work in the show Tumhari Paakhi, in 2015. We followed her work for a year and were pretty invested in her,
both as a person and performer. When we realised there was no platform through which people can get regular updates about her work, we decided to create one.
Tell us about your fan club.
It’s basically the source to all updates regarding Shraddha. We also help her interact with fans by sending across any messages. She once said to us ‘don’t love me, love them
(her fans) for me’, So yeah, we try our best to appreciate everything her fans make for her and send them love on her behalf.
Tell us your memorable moment?
Probably when one of us met Shraddha in Mumbai. She was so sweet and incredibly warm. It was like meeting a friend.
What is the best thing you like about Shraddha Arya?
Professionally, it is incredible how she slips into the skin of each character she portrays. You no longer see her, you only see the character she plays and that’s a rare talent. As a person, it’s her humility and simplicity. She treats fans like they’re her friends, which is incredibly sweet. Also, she will go out of her way to do things for people and never
advertise it.
What is your favourite work Shraddha has done?
It has to be Paakhi from the show Tumhari Paakhi. It was an incredibly inspiring character, and she played it so beautifully. She’s done all her characters flawlessly, but Paakhi was something special because of her acting. Even four years later, we can gush about how beautiful her performance was.
Tell us an interesting fact about Shraddha Arya?
She’s a happy soul and everyone knows that. She gets upset when she sees someone being treated unfairly. For example, women are treated differently from men and that
makes her angry. She also gets annoyed when someone backs out of a promise they made.
What is your definition of a true fan?
Just someone who loves the celebrity without judging them. We tend to place actors on a pedestal and forget they are also people just like the rest of us. When that illusion breaks,
fans feel betrayed and angry. A celebrity doesn’t owe you perfection. Love them and give them the space to make mistakes. That’s how it should be.
- Visit Twitter: @FCShraddhaArya for more information.
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.