The new ITV medical drama Maternal has been receiving glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike ever since premiering on January 16. The six-episode series tells the story of three women working in frontline medical roles in post-pandemic Britain and stars Parminder Nagra in the role of paediatric registrar Dr Maryam Afridi, Lisa McGrillis as Acute Medicine registrar Dr Helen Cavendish, and Lara Pulver as surgeon Catherine MacDiarmid.
The medical drama series also features actor Raza Jaffrey in a prominent role. He is seen in the role of Dr Jack Oliviera, the ex-boyfriend of his real-life wife Lara Pulver’s character, Dr Catherine MacDiarmid.
Talking about the experience of working with her husband on Maternal, Pulver told a publication, “It was wonderful. Raz and I, we had been offered to work in a play together before. But we couldn’t logistically make work because we got pregnant. This was the first opportunity for us to work on screen together. Over the years of doing self-tapes, I know what Raza’s like to work with. But, I guess, you never know until you are on set together.”
She continued, “Personally, it was amazing because in our profession we so often go away and that means splitting up the family.”
Pulver’s Maternal co-star Parminder Nagra lives next door to the couple in Los Angeles, which helped them move together for filming.
“It was such a gift as a family unit with our kids being so young, to all up-root with their aunty Mindy and their cousins around the corner,” Pulver said. “Also, Raza’s from Liverpool. So, all his aunties, uncles, and family are there so we have this other element of extended family out of it. So, logistically it was amazing to go to work and come home to my family, which is very rare.”
Maternal airs on ITV and ITVX on January at 9 pm.
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.