The Met Gala, an annual extravaganza that brings together the crème de la crème of the fashion and entertainment worlds, once again descended upon New York City with unparalleled glamour and grandeur. Hosted by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met Gala 2024 was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression, as luminaries from across the globe converged to showcase their most daring and dazzling ensembles on the iconic red carpet.
Among the constellation of stars gracing the red carpet at the Met Gala 2024, one name shone particularly bright - Mona Patel, the US-based Indian fashion entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Patel was the talk of the town after making a stunning debut at the 2024 Met Gala with her ‘mechanical butterflies’ dress styled by Law Roach.
“I wanted my debut look to be something that celebrates my heritage and also combines my love couture, and when I heard of the theme, Iris Van Herpen seemed like the obvious choice,” Patel had told Vogue India.
Born and raised in Gujarat’s Vadodara, Patel is a fashion entrepreneur who moved to the US to set up her business. Her fascination with fashion ignited at a young age, inspired by the vibrant colours and intricate textiles of her homeland.
“I was eager to experience life outside India and create the life I always dreamed of, in the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Patel wrote on her website. “I packed three large suitcases with most of my priceless possessions and moved from India to Dallas, Texas.”
Patel, who is one of the Forbes 1000 honorees, also went to prestigious schools like Harvard Business School in 2022 and attended Stanford University’s executive programme in 2020.
In 2006, she founded eight companies and ventured into diverse sectors like healthcare, tech, and real estate industries. Her empire is now valued at over $100 million according to her website, Haute Mona.
Beyond her creative prowess, Patel's philanthropic endeavors have also left an indelible mark on the world. With a deep sense of social responsibility, she has used her platform to support various charitable causes.
Crediting her success to her parents, she wrote, “It’s no secret that my parents had a huge impact on the person I am today. I often credit my father for my entrepreneurial drive and my mother for being my ‘North Star’. Together, they set me on a path to explore a future without limits, and empowered me to travel beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone.”
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.