Actress Madhurima Tuli, who will shortly be seen opposite Ssharad Malhotraa in Humtum Telefilms' short movie Pasta, talks about how she came on board, working with Ssharad as well as her role in it.
What prompted you to do a short film?
I am doing Chandrakanta right now where I am wearing Indian clothes since it's a mythological historical show. This short film Pasta was something very different. It had humour, it had a young look and young people around. The story and concept were so cool that instantly I just thought to grab this opportunity and be a part of this short film. This will give me an image break also, and I can also tell people that I can do something which is not Indian but Indo-western. That's what prompted me to do this short film.
What is your role in Pasta?
My character's name in the short film is Nimmi who is a working woman. She is married to Anant, played by Ssharad Malhotraa, for three to four years. The marriage has faded off a little bit and there is some confusion happening. I can't reveal much since it’s a situational comedy. You'll have to see the film to understand what exactly it is. But there is some misunderstanding that has happened. The movie talks about how you should take life a little lightly because life is beautiful.
Have you done any other short film in past?
No, I haven't done any other short film. This is my first short film. I am very excited. I feel lucky to have got the chance to work with our director Vibhuti and to associate with HumTum Telefilms, Sushant Kumar and Ssharad Malhotraa. Ssharad is a fantastic actor. I really love his work. I am waiting for the film to release. Let's see how the audience takes it. I hope that they like and enjoy the film.
How was it working with HumTum Telefilms and Sushant Kumar?
Working with HumTum Telefilms was amazing. They're extremely professional people. Sushant Kumar is a fantastic human being and a good producer. It's been a great association with them. I hope to work with them soon again. I wish them all the best because this is their first short film. I hope they do wonders in their production house.
How was it working with Ssharad Malhotraa?
Ssharad is a fantastic actor as I said before. I think he is very easy going. He makes the other person also very comfortable. He has this amazing personality which shows in his on-screen roles. It was great working with him. I really enjoyed working with him. I really respect him and love his work. He loves and enjoys his work and that's what makes him great. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
TV, films and now short films too, which medium you like the most and why?
I like all mediums. I am an actor who craves for good roles and good content. I definitely prefer films because in films you get the time to do something with your roles, you get the time to improvise and do a lot of things.
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.