Karan Johar has never shied away from speaking up for people he cares about. And when it comes to Alia Bhatt, his response to the constant “nepo kid” jibes is simple: enough already!
In a recent interview, the filmmaker did not mince words when addressing the criticism Alia continues to face because of her family background. "Watch Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi, Gangubai,” he said. “If you still think she hasn’t earned her place, then that’s just ignorant."
Karan Johar says he is proud of Alia Bhatt and questions nepotism double standardsGetty Images
Alia made her debut in Johar’s Student of the Year back in 2012. Since then, she’s starred in a wide range of roles, often earning praise from critics and audiences alike. But for some, the tag of ‘nepotism’ has stuck, and that is something Karan finds deeply frustrating.
He’s aware of the reputation his production house, Dharma, has when it comes to launching star kids. His latest project Nadaaniyan, which featured Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim and Sridevi’s daughter Khushi Kapoor, was met with harsh reviews. Karan thinks the backlash was less about the film and more about who was in it. “It’s become trendy to hate films that have star kids in them. People know they’ll get attention for it,” he said.
Karan Johar breaks silence on Alia Bhatt nepotism debate and calls out criticsGetty Images
Karan also pointed out that his company has backed several projects with newcomers and talent from outside the industry, like filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. But these efforts are often ignored. “People don’t see the full picture,” he said. “They just want to pile on.”
The criticism stings even more when it involves Alia. Karan has openly called her the first person he’s ever felt protective of, like a daughter. He’s not interested in pretending otherwise. “Why should I tone it down for the sake of appearances?” he asked. “I love her, and I’m proud of her work.”
Karan Johar calls Alia Bhatt the first person he’s ever felt protective ofGetty Images
He’s aware that his name often comes up in debates about nepotism, sometimes even on podcasts by people he’s never met. “It’s bizarre,” he said. “Random people talking about me like they know me. I’m fine being the villain if that’s what it takes, but let’s at least talk with some honesty.”
For Karan, the problem isn’t people raising questions. It’s the refusal to accept talent when it’s clearly visible.
Sholay turns 50 with global 4K comeback and untold stories Instagram/rameshsippy47 
Yami Gautam delivers a gripping performance as Naina Jaiswal in A Thursdaygetty images
Deepika Padukone soars as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore in Fightergetty images
Yami Gautam commands the screen as intelligence officer Zooni Haksar in Article 370images
Alia Bhatt brings quiet heroism to life as Indian spy Sehmat Khan in Raazigetty images
Priyanka Chopra transforms into legendary boxer Mary Kom in the inspiring biopic Mary Komgetty images
Kangana Ranaut embodies courage as Wing Commander Tejas Gill in Tejasgetty images
Sonam Kapoor honours the real-life bravery of Neerja Bhanot in Neerja getty images
Kangana Ranaut channels warrior spirit as Rani Lakshmi Bai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansigetty images
Gurinder Chadha’s ‘Christmas Karma’ unveils first look posters and confirms November release Instagram/christmaskarmamovie 
Coolie teaser drops 100 days early and brings Rajinikanth nostalgia with it Instagram/cooliemovieofficial
Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity
Rachel Brosnahan marriage speculation grows after Jason Ralph’s controversial Instagram activity
Highlights
Rachel Brosnahan’s husband, actor Jason Ralph, is at the centre of a heated social media debate after he liked a provocative Instagram comment about her on-screen chemistry with Superman co-star David Corenswet. The online reaction has been swift, with fans speculating whether his action was a subtle dig, a careless mistake, or simply a misunderstood joke.
The comment in question accused Brosnahan of crossing boundaries with a co-star and suggested Ralph should “stand up for himself” and “leave her.” Within hours, screenshots of Ralph’s ‘like’ were circulating across Reddit, X, and Instagram gossip pages. Soon after, Ralph disabled comments on his posts, but by then, the digital trail was impossible to erase.
When did Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph get married?
Brosnahan and Ralph first met while working on the indie film I’m Obsessed With You in 2013. After several years of dating, the pair quietly tied the knot—so quietly, in fact, that the public only learned about it years later.
In a 2019 interview, Brosnahan revealed that she had been wearing her wedding ring for some time before speculation began, adding:
“We’ve been married for years and been together for even longer. We had a good laugh when the news came out that we had just got married like, ‘Happy six-month anniversary, honey!’”
The couple’s decision to keep their marriage private was intentional. Brosnahan explained that she disliked the double standard in media coverage, where she was constantly asked about her relationship while Ralph was not.
Have they worked together professionally?
Yes. Ralph appeared alongside his wife in the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, joining in seasons four and five as Mike Carr. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Ralph praised Brosnahan’s leadership on set, saying:
“She’s just the best, and I feel very lucky to see her command a set like that.”
Their collaboration was warmly received by fans, and until now, the couple has maintained an image of mutual respect and professional admiration.
What did Jason Ralph ‘like’ on Instagram?
The controversy began when Ralph liked a comment on one of his posts that read:
“It’s genuinely sad to see your career being tucked out to be remembered as a cuckold because your wife couldn’t handle herself with her co-actor. Like bro, let’s have some self-love and stand up for yourself, leave her to be with him if she wants that much.”
The remark, widely interpreted as targeting Brosnahan’s scenes with David Corenswet in Superman, was seen by many as insulting and sexist. Fans immediately questioned why Ralph would engage with it at all.
Was it intentional or a mistake?
Social media reactions are split. Some argue that it was likely an accidental double-tap, noting that Ralph’s Instagram activity is minimal and sporadic. Others believe it was deliberate, citing his history of dry humour and occasional trolling behaviour online.
Regardless of intent, the timing has amplified speculation. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet has been heavily discussed since the film’s release, and this incident has only fuelled more rumours about their personal lives.
What’s next for the couple?
Neither Brosnahan nor Ralph has publicly commented on the incident. Given their preference for privacy, it’s unlikely they will address the speculation directly. Still, with screenshots continuing to circulate, the story has already left its mark on fan discussions around the couple. Whether the Instagram ‘like’ was a slip of the finger or a calculated move, it has put an unusually public spotlight on one of Hollywood’s most private marriages. For now, the internet is left to debate: accident, sarcasm, or subtle message?