Award-winning English stand-up comedian and actor Paul Chowdhry’s father Darshan Singh Chowdhry passed away on Wednesday, May 4th.
Chowdhry took to social media to share a touching post remembering his father. “On Wednesday, May 4th, my father transcended from his mortal life, leaving an incomparable legacy,” he wrote.
In his tribute, he wrote, “The King
My father was the kind of man they don't make anymore, a king amongst men, and an openly proud Sikh who, in 1964, with just a suitcase, emigrated to England from Punjab.
England was a very different place for immigrants then, with a backdrop of growing racial tension, typified in 1968 by Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech. In India, my father survived British rule and the subsequent partition, which resulted in him losing close relatives during the bloody civil violence that followed and affected millions.
Despite these challenges, with his sheer determination and endurance, he arrived on these shores with love in his heart and worked several jobs, every day of the week, just to bring his immediate and extended family to England.
Generations wouldn't be here without him.
I wouldn't be here without him.
My father’s strength and resolve are unparalleled to me. When I lost my mother to cancer at the age of five, he single-handedly stepped up as a single parent and kept me going. Later, I was lucky enough to have a second mother, whom we also lost during the pandemic. Having lost my two Queens, it was only my King who got me through the anger and emotional torment.
My father survived racist attacks yet he never held a grudge and was forgiving to all. He was simply proud to be a part of this nation.
He saved the lives of his brothers and carried the scars on his face throughout his life. The police never found the attackers yet, once again, my father never held a grudge. He was selfless and altruistic - qualities I wish I had in his abundance. Yet I know I am still a work in progress, still trying to find my way to his level of compassion.
On Wednesday, May 4th, my father transcended from his mortal life, leaving an incomparable legacy.
My father was my world, soulmate, mentor…and best friend. I am indebted to him for the life I have.
Now, I feel so alone.
However, I am a part of him and I will do my best, with the courage I’ve hopefully inherited, to keep making him proud. When my time comes, perhaps I will leave this earth with just a fraction of his strength.
I am often asked what my parents said when I told them I wanted to be a comedian. The answer is they supported me all the way and my father was my biggest inspiration.
Darshan Singh Chowdhry was an icon with the charisma and coolness of a film star. He believed in equality for all, an everyman who was able to connect with others through his sincerity and infectious smile. He was a wonderful father to me.
I’m finding the heartbreak so difficult because the love was so strong.
My father’s send-off is this Friday, May 13th.
Paul Chowdhry x
Waheguru.”
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.