Pranutan Bahl is busy garnering praises for her performance in Helmet which premiered on Zee5 on 3rd September 2021. The movie also stars Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee in the lead roles.
We recently interacted with Pranutan and when asked about the response she has received for the film, the actress said, “It’s overwhelming! We are getting so much love from people, the audiences are loving it. So, yes, I am soaking in all the love and I want more people to see it.”
Helmet revolves around a group of friends who rob a truck thinking that the boxes in it have mobiles phones. But, after the robbery, they come to know that the boxes have condoms in them. The movie moves forward showcasing that how these people sell those condoms.
When asked Pranutan if she was hesitant to take up the role, she said, “No, it was a quick yes. Actually, the first thing that I thought was the audition should be good as this is such a unique script; it’s so different from Notebook. I feel very few actors at such an initial stage of their career get these opportunities, and I think you should make the most of it. So, I was never hesitant, I was excited.”
Pranutan made her debut with Notebook which was released in 2019. Her character in Helmet is totally opposite of what she played in her debut movie.
So, when we asked if it was a conscious decision to do a film after Notebook that showcases her versatility, Pranutan said, “I was hoping for something that is different. There’s a lot of filtering you need to do especially after a debut like Notebook because you do get stereotyped into those kinds of cinema and that kind of girl. So, yes, it was a conscious effort, but again I feel destiny has to be on your side for things to fall into place.”
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Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.