THE recently released Netflix documentary The Roshans has been attracting global attention since its premiere. The series devotes an episode to each member of the film family, starting with music director Roshan Lal Nagrath.
Featuring a star-studded lineup of contributors, along with archival photos and film footage, it traces the journey of (musician) Rajesh, (filmmaker) Rakesh, and (actor) Hrithik Roshan.
While the documentary is compelling, inspiring in places, and engaging, much was left out, including the negative moments from their respective lives. Rather than presenting a complete picture, The Roshans became an exercise in glorification. By omitting those elements, the series lost a sense of authenticity.
Here are some key aspects that were overlooked in each episode:
There was little mention of Roshan Lal Nagrath’s early life, including his classical music training and the future legends he helped launch. The documentary highlights his groundbreaking qawwalis in the blockbuster 1960 musical Barsaat Ki Raat, but fails to acknowledge the widely known contribution of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s father, Fateh Ali Khan, to those compositions.
In the second chapter on Rajesh Roshan, the documentary showcases his extensive and impressive body of work but makes no mention of the accusations of plagiarism he has faced. One website has listed more than 40 songs he allegedly copied, and in at least one instance, he was reportedly successfully sued for copying music.
Roshan Lal Nagrath
The third episode, focused on Rakesh Roshan, omits any mention of him having to wear a wig during his acting career. Perhaps the biggest turning point in his directorial career was the success of Khoon Bhari Maang (1988), which he discusses in the series.
However, he does not acknowledge that the plot was heavily borrowed from the 1983 Australian mini-series East of Eden.
In Hrithik Roshan’s episode, there is no mention that Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was initially offered to Shah Rukh Khan or that Ameesha Patel only joined the project after Kareena Kapoor walked out.
His failed marriage and alleged affairs are also completely left out from the Netflix series. Surprisingly, much of his most acclaimed work, including Jodhaa Akbar and War, is barely mentioned.
Ultimately, The Roshans falls into the same pattern as many Bollywood documentaries and celebrity autobiographies, where darker moments are either whitewashed or quickly forgotten. Yet, it is these moments that humanise stars and provide a more accurate portrayal of their journeys. While the series is engaging, a little more honesty could have made it better.
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.