SPARKLING actress Gulfam Khan Hussain has constantly delivered winning performance across a glittering career filled with a wide array of winning projects, which have included hit TV serials.
The fan favourite is currently playing a key role in sci-fi romantic drama series Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare, which has crossed 400 episodes, since it premiered in 2023.
Eastern Eye caught the popular star with a big fan following to talk about her acting journey and latest show.
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
It has been blissful. It takes will to pursue your dreams and if your family and friends support that, it becomes the wind beneath those wings. I am very happy that I am lucky enough to have all of that.
Which of your projects have been closest to your heart?
All of them. I know it sounds cliché but that’s what it is. I do think a couple of them could have been more fulfilling but it’s part of the process – you win some you lose some.
Which character challenged you most?
Rasili Bai in Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betitann. When I got on board in Betiyann it was supposed to be a cameo, the character was not easy but within the first week it transited into a beautiful main negative role. It warms my heart when people still recognise me for it.
What did you most like about your latest show Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare?
The story, look and overall feel of the show.
The show has quickly clocked up over 400 episodes.Why do you think it is so popular?
It’s different, it’s not the regular run of the mill show. It has romance, drama, and action without the predictability.
What has been your most memorable moment of working on this show?
The day when we shot the sequence where it is revealed that Dhruv is biologically her son, and she stands up for him.
What do you most like about the character you are currently playing on Dhruv Tara?
It’s a positive character but with a lot of strength. Most of the time in a daily soap, you see positive characters are either victims or don’t have much to do.
In Dhruv Tara every character is self-driven with their own share of strengths and flaws.
You have played a wide variety of roles across the years, but is there a dream role you would love to portray?
Always. There is always one more character I would like to play. My all-time favourite actress is Meryl Streep and the roles she portrays are a dream for me.
Who would you like to work with?
All actors, from Kamal Haasan and Naseeruddin Shah to Ayushmann Khurrana and Kiara Advani. Everyone!
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
Romance. I’m a hopeless romantic. I enjoy comedy too. Action comedy is my favourite.
Tell us something about you that not many people know?
I can do a lot of facial movements. Moving my ears, wriggling my nose, squinting and fully rolling up my eyes till the whites show.
What is the best advice you ever got?
Rohiniji Hattangadi once told me, ‘What people talk about you, is none of your business.’ Finally, what inspires you as an actress? Every day, every morning and every moment inspires me.
Instagram: @ gulfamkhan_ hussain
JK Rowling’s Instagram story mocking Pedro Pascal’s criticismInstagram Screengrab
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.