Popular film and television actress Mandira Bedi, who rose to prominence after headlining Indian television’s first daily soap Shanti (1994), is set to add a new feather to her cap. Bedi has just revealed that she is currently busy writing her memoir. Titled Happy For No Reason, the memoir will mark her 25 years in showbiz.
Talking to an Indian daily, Mandira Bedi said, “With utmost gratitude, I look at my life having taken the most blessed and divine turns these last 25 years in entertainment. Each passing year, it has been getting and feeling better than the year gone by. I have lived life, going with the flow, and that has brought me to the only goal I ever hoped to get to — being happy from within”.
In her upcoming memoir, which is expected to hit the stands in coming months, Bedi will talk about being truly content with what she has achieved in life. She will also reflect on reaching a healthy balance of work and home life.
Apart from Shanti, Mandira Bedi has also starred in several other successful Hindi shows including Aurat (1999), Dushman (2001), Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2001-2003) and Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahi (2003. She has also appeared in such films as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dus Kahaniyaan (2007) and Vodka Diaries (2018).
Apart from acting in films and fiction shows, Bedi has also hosted a number of non-fiction shows on Indian television. Some of them include Fame Gurukul (2005), Deal Ya No Deal (2005-2006) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star (2008). She will next be seen in the Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor starrer Saaho. The action entertainer is set to release on 30th August, 2019.
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Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
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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.