Two decades after the tragic death of actress Soundarya, new allegations have surfaced against veteran Telugu actor Mohan Babu. A social activist in Andhra Pradesh’s Khammam district has filed a complaint accusing him of having a role in Soundarya’s untimely demise.
Soundarya, a much-loved star in South Indian cinema, was 31 years old and reportedly pregnant when she died in a private plane crash on April 17, 2004. She and her brother, Amarnath, were flying to Karimnagar to participate in a political campaign for the BJP and TDP when the aircraft went down. Tragically, their bodies could not be recovered from the wreckage.
Late actress Soundarya, whose tragic death in 2004 is now back in the headlinesInstagram/actresssoundarya
Now, 22 years later, a man named Chittimallu has alleged that Soundarya’s death was not an accident, but murder. He claims there was an unresolved land dispute between Soundarya’s family and Mohan Babu. According to the complaint, Mohan Babu had pressured Soundarya and her brother to sell six acres of land located in Jallepalli, Shamshabad. When they refused, tensions allegedly escalated. After their deaths, the complainant says Babu illegally occupied the disputed property.
The activist has urged authorities to reclaim the land and hand it over for public welfare suggesting it could benefit orphans, military families, or journalists. He has also expressed concern for his own safety, alleging he received threats from Mohan Babu, and is seeking police protection.
Veteran actor Mohan Babu faces renewed allegations linked to Soundarya’s tragic deathInstagram/mohanbabu111
At this point, no formal case (FIR) has been registered. There’s no confirmation of any direct link between Chittimallu and Soundarya’s family. However, the complaint also mentions ongoing rifts within the Manchu family, pointing to Mohan Babu’s strained relationship with his younger son Manchu Manoj. Last year, Mohan Babu was in the spotlight for allegedly assaulting a journalist during a family dispute.
Mohan Babu, known for his villainous roles in South Indian films, has yet to respond publicly to these serious accusations. Authorities have not made any official statements about launching an investigation.
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.