Hrithik Roshan is suddenly on everyone's radar in America, and it all started with a meme. A side-by-side image comparing the Bollywood actor at 50 with an ageing American man stirred up a frenzy online, leaving many Americans wondering, “Who is this guy?”
The viral post, captioned “50-year-olds in 1985 vs. 50-year-olds in 2025,” lit up social media. While many admired Roshan’s age-defying looks, others genuinely had no idea who he was. That changed quickly, as Bollywood fans rushed to introduce the “Greek God of Indian cinema” to curious users across platforms.
Hrithik was in Atlanta recently, attending an event and interacting with fans. While speaking on stage, he was asked about his favourite co-star. Without hesitation, he named Jr. NTR, praising the Telugu actor’s talent and teamwork during their shoot for War 2. The much-anticipated action film will hit screens on 14 August.
But Hrithik’s big reveal didn’t stop with War 2. At the same Atlanta event, the actor confirmed that he’s stepping into the director’s chair for Krrish 4, the next film in India’s most popular superhero franchise. The project will be produced by Aditya Chopra’s YRF and Rakesh Roshan’s Filmkraft. “Good luck to me,” Hrithik said with a smile, recalling his first experience behind the scenes during the filming of Koyla.
Hrithik Roshan confirms his directorial debut with Krrish 4 during a fan event in the U.SGetty Images
For fans who grew up watching him in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Dhoom 2, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the latest developments feel like a full-circle moment. And as Americans start googling his name, Hrithik Roshan is no longer just a Bollywood icon. He’s gone global.
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.