THE confrontational comedian has made a name for himself as someone who tackles a range of subjects – from everyday issues to relationships – with a no-holds-barred approach.
While he performed his set predominantly in English during his previous appearance at the Soho Theatre in central London, this time around the Indian funny man took a deeper dive into his native Hindi language. Like his earlier stand-up show, he tackled a wide array of subjects, from relatable relationship anecdotes to common occurrences and more surrealist observations including his take on Indian snake charmers.
Although he has a laid-back approach on stage, the talented comic generated a lot of power with his presence and delivery, which ultimately gave his jokes an added punch. The great reactions from the packed-out audience also added gravitas to his already impressive set, which flowed along nicely.
Those who have seen his previous English-language show will have noticed that some of the material had been recycled into Hindi. There was also a lot of scope to have more audience interaction with the clearly enthusiastic crowd. But all that didn’t take away from this immensely entertaining show. It was clearly evident that he could have stayed on stage longer and the audience would have gone along for the ride.
Following in the giant footsteps of his fellow Indian Zakir Khan, the funny man from Mumbai showed there is a real appetite in London for Hindi language stand-up comedy, with a multi-layered show which has proved so popular that his run has been extended at the theatre until next Saturday (23). He really is one of the most versatile comedians working in India today, and that is ultimately why stand-up fans around the world will be hearing a lot more about an exciting talent who has a fearless approach to talking about life.
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.