As the world celebrates International Dance Day, let’s delve into the captivating dance journeys of eight Bollywood actors, each embracing and showcasing their iconic dance forms with finesse and passion.
Richa Chadha - Kathak
Richa Chadha's journey with Kathak began in her childhood where she received formal training in this classical dance form. However, her pursuit of Kathak was temporarily halted due to academic commitments. It was the prospect of working with acclaimed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali that reignited her passion for Kathak. In projects such as Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazaar, Richa's performances have been lauded for their grace and authenticity, showcasing her dedication to mastering this intricate dance form.
Janhvi Kapoor - Belly Dancing
Drawing inspiration from her legendary mother, Sridevi, Janhvi Kapoor has embraced belly dancing with flair and finesse. A recent viral video showcased her effortless and mesmerizing moves to the beats of 'San Sanana,' captivating audiences with her innate talent and captivating stage presence.
Ishan Khattar - Freestyle, Bollywood
Ishan Khattar's dance journey is characterized by his versatility and infectious energy on the dance floor. While he adeptly performs Bollywood dance routines, it's his freestyle moves that truly highlight his creativity and skill. Often compared to his brother, Shahid Kapoor, Ishan has carved a niche for himself with his dynamic dance performances
Naila Grrewal - Hip-Hop
Known for her role in Mamla Legal Hai, Naila Grrewal has emerged as a rising star in the world of Bollywood dance. Her affinity for hip-hop dance forms is evident in her dynamic and expressive performances showcased in various social media dance videos. Naila's charisma and rhythm captivate audiences, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop dance scene.
Raghav Juyal - Slow Motion
Raghav Juyal's introduction to the world of dance came through his pioneering slow-motion dance style. His innovative choreography and impeccable timing have made him a trailblazer in the Indian dance scene. With his signature 'Slow Mo' moves, Raghav has captured the hearts of audiences and inspired countless dancers to explore new dimensions of movement and expression.
Tara Sutaria - Latin American
Trained in classical ballet, modern dance, and Latin American dances, Tara Sutaria brings a unique blend of grace and precision to her performances. Her journey began at a young age, honing her skills in ballet and modern dance at prestigious institutions. Tara's proficiency in Latin American dances adds depth and diversity to her repertoire, showcasing her versatility as a dancer.
Sanya Malhotra - Popping and Splitting
Sanya Malhotra's dance journey is characterized by her versatility and proficiency in various dance forms. From contemporary to ballet, her fluid movements and polished technique reflect years of dedicated training and practice. Sanya's love for popping and splitting adds a dynamic edge to her performances, captivating audiences with her expressive and energetic routines.
Alaya F - Contemporary
Alaya F's passion for dance shines through her expressive performances in the contemporary dance form. While she demonstrates proficiency in various dance styles, including Kathak and Western dance, it's her emotive and fluid movements in contemporary dance that truly showcase her talent. With a growing fan base on social media, Alaya continues to inspire and enthrall audiences with her captivating dance routines.
Nora Fatehi - Belly Dance & Hip Hop
Moroccan-Canadian actor and dancer Nora Fatehi has been carving her niche in Bollywood since 2014. The self-taught performer took the industry by storm with her electrifying dance performances, earning acclaim in both Hindi and South Indian cinema. Nora is frequently compared to the legendary dancing icon Helen for her mesmerizing moves. Skilled in various dance styles including Belly dance, Hip Hop, and Freestyle, Nora continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and talent.
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.