At the premiere of Thunderbolts in London on 22 April, Florence Pugh stunned attendees with her bold fashion choice, confidently showcasing a striking Elie Saab couture gown. Known for her daring style, the 29-year-old actress embraced a gothic look, wearing a sheer black dress with intricate lace tulle.
The design featured cut-outs around her midriff, offering glimpses of her torso while maintaining an air of elegance. The gown’s detailed sequins and floral appliqué added a touch of sophistication to the sultry ensemble, which was completed with black strappy heels.
Pugh’s bold look combined intricate lace, dramatic makeup, and unapologetic styleGetty Images
Pugh’s make-up and hair were just as daring. She opted for fiery red eyeshadow that created a bold cat-eye effect, drawing attention to her eyes, while her lips and blush remained understated. Her blonde bob was styled sleek and back, creating a sharp contrast to the romantic, yet edgy vibe of the dress. Accessories included black geometric drop earrings and matching rings and bracelets, reinforcing the overall dark, sophisticated aesthetic.
Florence has often been at the forefront of pushing boundaries with her fashion choices. She gained attention at Valentino’s Autumn/Winter 2022 Haute Couture show for wearing a sheer, chest-baring gown. In response to criticism, she defended her choice, encouraging people to embrace body positivity and respect all forms of self-expression.
Red carpet confidence: Florence Pugh’s fashion choice sparks conversation once againGetty Images
In Thunderbolts, Pugh reprises her role as Yelena Belova, a skilled assassin who joins a group of anti-heroes in a Marvel Cinematic Universe spin-off. The film also stars Sebastian Stan, David Harbour and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and is set to premiere on 2 May.
Pugh's fashion choices at the premiere align with her confidence both on and off screen, as she continues to challenge expectations and celebrate her individuality. Her choice of attire at the premiere was in fact a continuation of her ongoing commitment to embracing vulnerability and challenging the norms of celebrity culture.
As she makes waves in Hollywood with her performances, Pugh’s fashion choices certainly remain an integral part of her unapologetic and bold public persona.
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.