THERE is a reason why this stupendous show received rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe and had a sell-out run.
The talented Natalie Palamides has brought her solo stunner to the Soho Theatre in central London throughout the month and offers up something truly unique. The one-woman show revolves around two lovers who break up on New Year’s eve in 1999. Through flashbacks audiences discover how they met and, in a flash-forward, what could have happened had they stayed together.
But what makes this show unique is that Palamides plays both roles, with a split look of a distinctly female and burly male character. She skilfully and swiftly turns to the side for each part. That stage mastery later includes costume changes, the use of props and awesome audience interaction, where some are made part of the story. Not surprisingly, proceedings gradually become chaotic and cartoon like, which adds a further layer of entertainment to Weer and makes it a compelling watch.
There are loads of great pop culture references, including popular rom-coms, and a wonderful choice of musical numbers. The way she uses the various simple props to create an immersive world also works wonderfully well. The show’s heartbeat is a brilliant central performance from Palamides, which includes distinctive characters that keep the audience fully engaged. The simple set design works well, despite all the chaos that is going on.
Those who are able to look beyond the comedy will also find meaningful messages that most couples will relate to. The extended battery of false endings is perhaps the only weak point of this play, but those who become fully immersed will like what she has created.
It’s ultimately brash, brave and beautifully performed by a world-class talent, and that originality demands it gets a perfect five.
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.