As soon as it was confirmed that Indian-origin Rishi Sunak was set to take charge as the 57th Prime Minister of Britain, a host of Bollywood celebrities, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, took to social media to congratulate the politician.
However, veteran actress Neetu Kapoor reacted to the news in a uniquely funny way. She not only linked Rishi Sunak’s name to her late husband Rishi Kapoor and father-in-law Raj Kapoor but also told what is the connection between the film ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ and UK politics.
Here’s what she wrote on Instagram: “Rishi Raj” Sunak (getting cheap thrills with his name).” She further wrote, “Amar, Akbar and Anthony plot! A Muslim mayor of London, a Hindu Prime Minister, and a Christian King. How is thatttt!”
Rishi Sunak last Tuesday became the UK's third prime minister of the year. He is the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the UK and is a Hindu by religion. The region's King is honourable King Charles III, a Christian. And Sadiq Khan is London Mayor who is a Muslim.
Helmed by iconic filmmaker Manmohan Desai, Amar Akbar Anthony hit theatres in 1977 and still continues to entertain the audience. Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Parveen Babi, Shabana Azmi, and Neetu Kapoor played lead roles in the film.
Amar Akbar Anthony was one of the highest-grossing films of 1977. The story three brothers who get separated in childhood and are adopted by Hindu, Muslim, and Christian families struck the right chord with the audience.
Meanwhile, Neetu Kapoor was most recently seen in Dharma Productions’ Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022). The film also starred Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, and Anil Kapoor in lead roles. The actress is currently waiting for the arrival of her grandchild as her daughter-in-law Alia Bhatt is expecting a baby by the end of the year.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.