Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif, often seen under the bright lights of the film industry, found herself in a different spotlight, one of faith and tradition during her recent visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Accompanied by her mother-in-law, Veena Kaushal, she took a ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet, joining millions who travel to this sacred site for spiritual cleansing.
Unlike the usual public appearances, this visit was not about promotion or performance. Clad in a simple pink salwar suit, Katrina Kaif was seen praying, seeking blessings, and immersing herself in an experience that is deeply rooted in India’s cultural fabric. Her presence at the Maha Kumbh wasn't just a celebrity visit; it was a reminder that rituals and faith transcend fame, drawing people from all walks of life into a shared moment of devotion.
The actress also met Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, taking part in the ashram’s spiritual activities before heading to the holy confluence. Expressing her gratitude, Katrina called the experience “beautiful” and spoke about how she was looking forward to spending the day soaking in the energy of the place.
Her mother-in-law’s presence added another layer to the moment, what might have been a personal quest for spirituality also became a shared journey of bonding and tradition. Often, Bollywood stars are seen through the lens of their on-screen roles, but moments like these offer a glimpse into the personal choices that connect them to something larger than themselves.
Katrina Kaif and her mother-in-law, Veena Kaushal, sharing a warm moment togetherInstagram/katrinakaif
Interestingly, Katrina’s visit followed her husband Vicky Kaushal’s solo trip to the Maha Kumbh on February 13. While his visit coincided with his film promotions, Katrina’s presence appeared more personal, a quiet participation in an age-old tradition rather than a headline-grabbing spectacle.
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal steal the spotlight with their elegance and charmGetty Images
Beyond the fanfare, this visit speaks to a broader shift—Bollywood celebrities engaging with India’s spiritual and cultural heritage not as an act of performance but as a personal experience. In a world where faith often takes a backseat to modern distractions, Katrina Kaif’s quiet yet meaningful presence at the Maha Kumbh offers a refreshing contrast.
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.