By: Mohnish Singh
Making your presence felt in a show that has been running for over a decade and already features a host of actors who have become a household name is not easy for any actor. But talented actor Karan Kundrra, who always ensures he chooses characters that are starkly different from what he has already portrayed before, did not only take the challenge upon himself but also managed to receive oodles of love and appreciation from the audience for his character Ranveer in Star Plus’ long-running show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
Kundrra joined the cast of the popular show a couple of weeks ago. His entry brought in a slew of twists and turns into the storyline and also helped the show strengthen its position on TRP charts.
Recently, the actor spoke candidly about his role on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is one of the biggest shows on Indian television. The way Ranveer has been written, it is not a character that we can see on Indian television every day. This is not a run-of-the-mill character. I always take up roles which have not been done before and that is why it is fun,” he said.
Recalling his first meeting with producer Rajan Shahi, the actor said, “I went for a brief meeting with Rajanji and it went on for quite some time. The first narration of the character was so good that I knew I am going to do this role.”
Reacting to the huge response that his character has been receiving from his fans and audiences, Kundrra said, “Fans are always happy when they see their favourite actor on screen. The way this role has shaped up, the fans are very happy and, most importantly, I have not done this shade earlier. After working for so long here it is a great thing to happen. I have also lived the impact when I entered the show. I am someone who does not want to drag any role, I give my hundred per cent to the role and leave with the potential of that.”
Produced by Rajan Shahi under the banner of Director’s Kut, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai went on air on January 12, 2009.
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.