Award-winning writer, comedian, and creative producer Amir Shaheen, best known as the co-creator of the Netflix Original series Home for Christmas, is excited to announce the international English release of his humorous book, F*** My Brain!
The book, initially published in Norwegian, has garnered glowing reviews for its engaging stories and exploration of themes such as belonging, society, and alienation.
F*** My Brain! is a collection of hysterically funny short stories inspired by authors like Simon Rich, Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman, Adam Levin, Aziz Ansari, and Mindy Kaling.
The book, targeted at a young audience, delves into the challenges of growing up between two cultures while capturing the experiences of being a minority in a different country. With its lighthearted and engaging tone, F*** My Brain! offers an insightful and entertaining journey for readers navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and cultural differences.
Shaheen's background as a writer, comedian, and creative producer has provided a solid foundation for his work. The Netflix series Home for Christmas, developed alongside Kristian Andersen, earned a nomination for Gullruten 2021 (Norwegian Emmy Awards).
Shaheen is currently working on his second book, Tree of Sorrow, set for release in 2023 with publisher Tekstforslag, as well as a children's book set to release this September and a TV project in development with NRK Super.
F*** My Brain! will be available for purchase in the USA, UK, Canada, and other international markets starting May 15th.
It will be available across all platforms for libraries, bookstores, and online retailers.
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.