By: Mohnish Singh
Bollywood has several sibling duos, but the one that has always managed to stand out from the crowd is the sibling duo of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor. The two sisters, who rule millions of hearts across the world, are massive admirers of each other.
Recently, talking to an entertainment publication, Kareena Kapoor Khan said zillions of amazing things about her elder sister. She called the Raja Hindustani (1996) actress her go-to person for advice.
When asked who is the person she would go to for advice, she told the publication, “I think it would be my sister. We are really close. We are more like best friends rather than sisters. We share everything. There is complete transparency. I am more of her elder sister like she says because I am always firing her and advising her. But, whenever she feels something, she is always my go-to person. My immediate thing would be that I would turn to her. She is the person that would come to my mind.”
Khan went on to shower praises on her diva sister and said, “My sister has always been so supportive. She is somebody who believes in me 100 percent. She is somebody who does not judge me for anything. She is somebody who loves me unconditionally, somebody who will always tell me ‘be real, be your own person, follow whatever you think is right.’ My career path also and my personal life also, I think in many ways we are chalk and cheese. But she has always supported (me). Even if she does not believe in something I do, she will always allow me and support me to do that. I think that is the biggest advice that she has given.”
On the work front, Kareena Kapoor Khan will next be seen in hugely anticipated period drama Laal Singh Chaddha. The film stars Aamir Khan in the title role and is based on Hollywood classic Forrest Gump (1994). Buzz has it that the actress is set to announce several high-profile projects after her delivery in 2021.
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.