By: Mohnish Singh
Anxiety and depression can affect any human being under the sun, be it the common man or people in the public eye. There are several Bollywood celebrities who have openly spoken about their mental health issues and experiences with anxiety caused by various factors, one of them being Ileana D’Cruz.
Talking to a publication, D’Cruz openly spoke about her body dysmorphia issues and seeing a therapist to seek help. “We have one life. If you are going to try and live it based on how the world perceives you or tip-toeing around everyone else’s emotions, you are not living it to the fullest. As long as you are not disrespecting someone or hurting somebody else, you do what is good for you. I saw a therapist because I felt that I needed to. Initially, when I went to her, I did not think I needed it and I wanted to prove that person wrong. It was absolute nonsense because I genuinely needed the help,” she said.
The actress, who can be currently seen in The Bug Bull (2021) on Disney+ Hotstar, went on to add, “It is not taboo to ask for help and it is not wrong to breakdown, to cry, to lose it every now and again. It is alright, it is normal, it is human. I feel like a lot of things need to be eased up on. We need to normalize talking about so many things and not just mental health. I think that we would be a lot healthier and a lot of sensitive if we just listen to what the other person has to say.”
Ileana D’Cruz next stars in the social comedy film Unfair & Lovely, produced by Sony Pictures Films India. Also starring Randeep Hooda in the lead role, the film explores India’s obsession with fair skin.
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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.