WITH over 46 million followers, Jannat Zubair Rahmani is one of the most popular Indian celebrities on Instagram.
The 21-year-old actress, singer and social media influencer has a bigger following than most major movie stars from her country. Having started as a child actor, the star of popular shows like Phulwa, Tu Aashiqui and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 12, has formed a firm connection with a new generation.
After appearing in multiple music videos, she recently launched a singing career and is looking forward to crossing further horizons.
Eastern Eye caught up with the multitalented star to discuss her creative journey, music, future hopes, and inspirations.
What first connected you to creativity?
I think before I even understood the meaning of creativity, I was already connected to it because I was very, very young when I started off. By the time, I really understood what creativity, career and these things meant, I was already into it. So, I can’t really remember a particular moment where that connectivity started.
The cover of her song
You have done diverse projects, but which has given you the greatest joy?
So, every project has been very, very special and close to my heart. I have always made sure that whatever I do has a message or something challenging for me to do in it as an actor and has lots of potential for me as an individual to explore myself in it. If I have to choose, Khatron Ke Khiladi was special. It was my first reality TV experience ever and literally brought so much joy in my life. I got to explore so much about myself and know my capacity.
You were great on the show…
I was so unsure about how I am going to do the stunts and if I am prepared for it – if I am strong and brave enough to go out there and do all these kinds of stunts in front of really strong people. I learned so much being in that competition. I got to learn how to handle severe pressure. There was so much pressure on my head, yet I came out stronger. That show I think has bought extreme joy to my heart.
Tell us more about how Khatron Ke Khiladi impacted you?
I am so glad that I did Khatron Ke Khiladi season 12. I got to know so much about myself and experience a lot. I have become so much more confident now about physical activities, and these kinds of things in my life. It has really positively affected me a lot in my personal life as well. It was impactful, adventurous, hilarious and a rollercoaster ride for me. I’m never ever going to forget this experience.
Would you be able to say that you are fearless now?
Yes, I would definitely say that I am fearless and don’t really have to even think twice about it. If this question was asked before Khatron Ke Khiladi, I would have definitely said, maybe, I don’t know. But after doing Khatron Ke Khiladi I can proudly say that yes, I am fearless.
Did you ever imagine becoming so popular on Instagram?
I never really imagined being so popular on Instagram because in the beginning, I had no idea that anything like this could ever happen. It was all so new for me and everybody. I don’t think anybody expected this to become a rage, and it’s still growing.
You have more than 46 million followers on Instagram. What according to you would be the secret of your popularity?
I really don’t know the secret of this popularity because as I have said before it was all unplanned. I never thought of all of this and that I was going to be huge on Instagram like that. It was never part of the plan, but I’m just glad it happened.
Tell us about your love of music?
Oh, I have always loved music. I used to only listen to music. I never really thought that I will also turn into a singer. But yeah, even that is happening now.
Could you tell us about your recently released song?
My latest song is Kayfa Haluka, which is an Arabic word that means ‘how are you’. I had listened to so many songs, but didn’t really find anything that was extremely different. They are all somewhat similar to each other, whether a romantic, dance or sad song. We thought why not make Arabic pop. It also has a strong Arabic hook and is something different. I really hope it works and people like it.
What is your music master plan?
So, my team and I have a few plans in our mindset we hope to achieve by the end of this year. We also have aims to achieve in the next two years. Let’s just hope that whatever we are planning and hoping for, we are at least able to achieve 50 or 60 per cent of it.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Oh, there are such great singers in our country and globally. I just don’t know if I want to collaborate immediately with anyone. But I would love to collaborate with a rapper because I do listen to a lot of rap songs. So, I think that would be really cool. I can sing or maybe try rapping.
Do you have a dream role?
Yes, I do. I would really love to play a warrior princess.
What are your biggest passions away from work?
I’m very passionate about work. That is my biggest passion in the different fields I find myself in. Other than work I really love to dance, whether it is part of my work or not.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
I am a very simple person, as in I don’t have many secrets. I don’t have many layers to me as a person, so don’t think there is anything in particular that is hidden about me. Everyone mostly knows everything about me. I am not an extrovert, but an ambivert. I only open up to people who I like or match vibes with.
What is the best advice you ever got?
My parents have definitely given me the greatest advice. They’ve always told me to be grounded and to not dwell on my achievements. To never let what I have done ever come to my mind. This has to be the best advice that has always kept my feet on the ground. They taught me to always remember from where I started, and always be humble.
Who inspires you?
There are a lot of people who inspire me, and it isn’t just influential people, like huge business people or celebrities. Every one I meet in day-to-day life inspires me in some way. We can learn so much from everyone, and from each person. When I go to a shoot, my dress, make-up, and hair team will inspire me. Everybody is so inspiring in their own beautiful way. There is so much learning from all these people, who are so hard working and trying to do their best. So yeah, there is no one particular person. I believe anyone, anything or any situation can inspire you.
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.