By: Mohnish Singh
India has been hit by a huge second coronavirus wave, which has claimed thousands of lives ever since the country started recording a sudden spike in new infections in mid-February. The situation is getting worse with each passing day.
As ghastly scenes play out at hospitals across the country and the entire healthcare system breaks down under the immense pressure of new infections, several prominent personalities from different walks of life have come forward to help their countrymen in these trying times.
Actors Sonu Sood, Bhumi Pednekar and Alia Bhatt, who recently recovered from Covid-19, are amplifying resources. Now, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has also joined hands with Yuvaa to work with volunteers in order to amplify the resources amid the second wave of the pandemic.
In a statement, Dharma Productions said, “We are joining hands with Yuvaa to amplify their efforts in helping the community with resources and guidance to endure this turbulent time. As the country has been significantly impacted by Covid-l9, we will be using every Dharma Productions platform to help with several areas where people can consume verified information and receive resources pertaining to vaccination processes and mental health. In these testing times, we are dedicated to playing any part to help our community, our people - our family. We will go and grow through this, together. Stay safe, stay home.”
Recently, Yash Raj Films urged the Maharashtra chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray, to allocate and allow the production house to purchase 30,000 Covid-19 vaccines as it has taken the onus on itself to vaccinate 30,000 members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
Akshaye Widhani, senior vice president of YRF, had said in a statement, “With the film industry going through an unprecedented time, there is an urgent need to restart at the earliest so that thousands of workers can start earning their livelihood again and protect their families. Yash Raj Films, through The Yash Chopra Foundation, would like to offer its support in this regard.”
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.