By: Mohnish Singh
Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has not one but two back-to-back releases this Diwali with Anurag Basu’s black-comedy Ludo and Abhishek Sharma’s social-satire Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari.
While Ludo is currently streaming on Netflix, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is poised for its release on 15th November, becoming the first Bollywood film to have a theatrical release in eight months amid the pandemic. The actress is thrilled about seeing her own films clashing with each other.
After doing a couple of films as a child artist, Fatima Sana Shaikh made her full-fledged acting debut with Aamir Khan’s superhit sports-drama Dangal (2016). She followed it up with Yash Raj Films’ period-drama Thugs of Hindostan (2018).
When asked if she is following mentor Aamir Khan’s policy of one film in two years, she says, “This is not by choice. I think fate had a role in this. Ludo was shot two years ago and Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari was shot this year and both are releasing at the same time. I do not have the luxury to be choosy, but I would like to do more work, more films, and be noticed. Hoping 2021 is a better year for me professionally.”
Shaikh is one of those actors who do not believe in overdoing things. Be it her presence in Bollywood parties or social media activity, she believes in striking the right balance. “My personality is such, I am comfortable being with me. It is not that I am anti-social. I love being on set and meeting people but am not comfortable with these party situations. I become socially awkward and there is not really much for me to do there,” she shares.
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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.