Pakistan’s popular actress Mahira Khan has made a statement on social media expressing her deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Posting on X, she wrote, “Nothing feels good. And I understand life goes on, it has to. We resume work and worry about our child’s exams, our mother’s health, or our own. But through it all the heart bleeds and breaks.”
She added, “May Allah have mercy on Palestine. On their hearts, their children, their lives.”
Mahira Khan is not the only celebrity from Pakistan who has raised her voice against the atrocities in Palestine. Earlier, Ushna Shah spoke about an attack that took place in a hospital in Palestine and wrote, “A hospital! What do we boycott? Where do we strike? What do we do? Someone tell me what to do! All I can do currently is pray and cry to my Lord, hold my dear ones close, and write on this platform. Someone tell us what to do, where to begin.”
Osman Khalid Butt said, “There must be an immediate ceasefire. Allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Is the blood of thousands of innocent Palestinians not enough? Please raise your voices!”
Armeena Khan had said, “That news about premature babies just wrecked me. My whole life has been turned upside down. It’s like I woke up one morning and started living my worst nightmare. I try to make the best of both days and help where I can but I’m beginning to lose hope in humanity. No money, land, or power is worth this. Why is this so hard to understand? I am extremely triggered today because my baby was premature. I cannot make any sense of this. I was sitting in the doctor’s surgery when I read this piece of news and believe me when I say I bawled like a little child. I pray for these babies, please God protect them. Please bring some miracle. Please help these innocent people.”
On the work front, Mahira Khan has some exciting projects in her hands, including Pakistan’s first Netflix original alongside Fawad Khan. The show is based on the popular novel Jo Bachy Hain Sang Samait Lo, written by Farhat Ishtiaq.
Stay tuned to this space for more updates!
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.