MEGNA MUKHERJEE, a finalist in Miss India and a successful model in high-profile ad campaigns, makes her Telugu film debut with Baraabar Premistha.
The beautiful actress with a winning personality stars opposite leading man Chandrahass in this romantic drama set to hit cinemas on Friday (11). She has invested considerable effort into the project and is thrilled about its release, marking an exciting chapter in the career of this ambitious and talented young leading lady.
Eastern Eye caught up with Mukherjee to discuss her film, hopes, and inspirations.
What first connected you to creativity?
I’ve always enjoyed being on stage, even as a kid. When I’m in front of the camera, I feel like a child again – a feeling I never want to lose, which influenced my career choice.
Was the plan always to move from modelling to acting?
I’ve always aspired to be an actor. Not being from the industry, I looked for ways to become visible. I started with a fresh face, participated in Miss India, and then acted in commercials. One of my ads with Sourav Ganguly went viral, leading to my first film contract.
Tell us about your debut movie?
Baraabar Premistha is a refreshing story about two 19-year-olds from different villages who fall in love. While it might seem simple, their villages are enemies, which complicates their relationship. This project is very special to me; I’ve put my heart and soul into my character.
What was the biggest challenge of playing this specific role?
Having lived in a city all my life, it was challenging to embody a village girl. I spent time in villages in Telangana before shooting to better understand my character and surroundings.
What is your favourite moment from Baraabar Premistha?
You’ll have to watch the movie to find that out.
Baraabar PremisthaWhat are your plans going forward?
I’ve already signed another exciting project in Tollywood. I believe the southern film industry provides ample opportunities for those with beauty and talent, and I hope to continue working in Tollywood for a long time to come.
Who do you hope this film appeals to?
While it’s a young love story, it resonates with every age group, as everyone has experienced this kind of love at some point.
Do you have a dream role?
Shanti Priya from Om Shanti Om closely resembles my dream role.
Who would you love to work with?
It would be a dream to work with Shah Rukh Khan from Bollywood and Prabhas from Tollywood.
Tell us something about you that not many people know.
I am a pescatarian, I love drawing cartoon characters, and I play the piano.
What is your favourite film as an audience?
My all-time favourite Bollywood movie is Om Shanti Om.
What inspires you?
Self-growth inspires me. I stand by the notion of thinking big and making it happen.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 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.