IT IS no surprise that Gaurav Sharma agreed to take over the role of Paritosh Shah in Anupamaa after previous actor Ashish Mehrotra left.
Apart from the super hit drama serial being India’s top rated TV show in recent years, it gave him the chance to take on the new challenge of making a character played by someone else his own.
Early indications are that the versatile actor is succeeding because he has been embraced by audiences. It adds to his top TV credits that includes iconic series Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
Eastern Eye caught up with the talented TV star to find out more.
How do you feel about joining hit drama serial Anupamaa?
It is Indian television’s number one show. The fan following this show currently has is crazy. I feel really blessed to now be a part of it and only have gratitude in my heart.
Sharma with Rupali Ganguly.
What is it like taking over a character someone else has played?
It was a little challenging to put myself in someone else’s shoes as I have never replaced any actor in any show before. But my directors and creative team helped me a lot in understanding and getting to know the character. I am trying not to copy the earlier actor, but to get the nuances right and behave like Toshu, the character.
Have you been influenced by the previous performance in any way?
Not really. I believe in thoroughly studying the material that I am given. With the right character brief and desired look, I try and be as authentic as possible.
What can we expect from your character?
You can expect authenticity and a lot of spice in the story. (You will have to tune in to find out more).
Why do you think the show is so popular?
It has all the masala our Indian audience needs. It showcases the moral values and challenges every woman faces. The entire creative team does a great job.
What do you most like about Rajan and Deepa Shahi as producers?
They treat everyone as their family member and give everyone equal respect. This creates such a great working environment.
What is it like working with actress Rupali Ganguly?
It is superb working with her. She’s a seasoned actress and very humble in nature. We bonded quite fast! She really is a wonderful actress and knows what she’s doing. That comes across on screen.
What inspires you?
The love I have been getting from the audience really inspires me a lot. That’s like a pat on my back and what all the actors love.
Why should we all tune into Anupamaa?
To see some great performances and an outstanding emotional roller-coaster ride.
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.