By: Mohnish Singh
The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has been wreaking havoc in India for the past couple of weeks. There seems to be no immediate respite from the deadly virus as the total number of cases keeps touching new heights with each passing day, overwhelming the healthcare system of the country. Millions of people have been infected with the virus. While some are still battling it, others have recovered successfully.
Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, who tested positive for Covid-19 last month, tells a publication, “There are many people who think Covid-19 is not real. It is just a name that people are spreading to scare us and control us.”
The actress goes on to add, “We have to realise that Covid could happen to anyone. People think there is no need to wear masks. But it is real and every other person I know is getting infected. Some are lucky and are able to get better while others are not and are really struggling. The only thing we can do is be safe and follow caution. Apart from that, you cannot do much and you have to go through it. I had pain and discomfort during the first 10 days but I am young, and not a co-morbid case, so I recovered.”
Shaikh, who was last seen in Anurag Basu’s anthology film Ludo (2020), emphasises that the rich should not get themselves tested again and again to further burden the system. “Just because you have money, does not mean you test often. I have heard of people who get tests unnecessarily. Follow your doctor’s advice. The system is already burdened and one should get tests only if you have symptoms. Because of you, someone who is serious might get their reports delayed and their life might be at stake,” she exclaims.
On the work front, Fatima Sana Shaikh will be seen playing the female lead in the official Hindi remake of the Tamil film Aruvi (2016).
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.