During a recent event for the upcoming film Thug Life, Kamal Haasan’s casual remark aimed at co-star Trisha Krishnan stirred more than just laughter. What was likely meant as a light-hearted moment has now triggered debate across social media, with opinions split on whether the joke crossed a line.
It happened during a promotional interview when Trisha was asked about her favourite food. She mentioned a boiled banana dish but struggled to recall its original name, ‘pazham pori’ or banana fritters. Kamal jumped in with a quip: “She doesn’t know the name but likes putting it in her mouth,” followed by a pat on her knee. Trisha laughed it off in the moment, but the clip quickly made its way online and not everyone was amused.
The backlash was immediate. Some users called the comment inappropriate, especially coming from a senior actor at a public event. Others dismissed the outrage, arguing it was a harmless joke made in jest, and insisted the context was being misread. Supporters of Kamal claimed the comment was typical of the kind of banter seen in Tamil households and accused critics of deliberately twisting his words.
This incident has sparked wider conversations about the tone of public interactions, especially between senior male actors and younger female co-stars. Many pointed out that jokes relying on innuendo, even when meant playfully, can put people in uncomfortable situations, particularly when they unfold in front of cameras.
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Trisha hasn’t responded to the controversy, and neither has the Thug Life team issued a statement. Whether this moment was truly harmless or tone-deaf depends largely on how we define professionalism and respect in entertainment circles today.
Meanwhile, the film itself, directed by Mani Ratnam and featuring a star-studded cast including Silambarasan TR, Sanya Malhotra, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Pankaj Tripathi, continues to be one of the most anticipated Tamil releases of the year. It’s scheduled to hit cinemas on 5 June. The first single, “Jinguchaa,” featuring Sanya Malhotra, Kamal Haasan, and Silambarasan in a happy wedding number, has already gone viral.
But for now, the spotlight is less on the film and more on the question: where should we draw the line between a joke and a jab?
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.