Pakistani actress Mahira Khan made her dream Bollywood debut in Raees (2017) opposite none other than Shah Rukh Khan. The film, which also featured Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a significant role, turned out to be a box office hit despite clashing with Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam’s Kaabil at the ticket window.
Mahira Khan had earlier revealed how her mother just could not believe the news of her daughter doing a film opposite SRK and broke down into happy tears. But have you ever wondered how a Pakistani actress landed the lead role opposite Badshah of Bollywood?
Talking to a Pakistani YouTube channel, Mahira revealed that she had come to India to promote her show Humsafar when the makers of Raees approached her. Initially, she did not believe that they were approaching her to be cast opposite SRK, but she anyway went to meet the makers.
The actress further revealed that Shah Rukh Khan’s mother-in-law had seen her work in Humsafar and it was she who suggested her name to the superstar. “They had seen me on TV. It was actually Shah Rukh Khan’s mother-in-law who had seen me in Humsafar and she had told him to check this girl out,” she shared.
For those not in the know, Mahira Khan did not promote the film in India because Pakistani artists were banned to work in the country after the Uri attack in Jammu & Kashmir which claimed the lives of several Indian soldiers.
Meanwhile, the actress was most recently seen in The Legend of Maula Jatt, a Pakistani Punjabi-language action-drama film directed and written by Bilal Lashari. The film also stars Fawad Khan as the titular character with Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Humaima Malik in pivotal roles.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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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.