In a heartwarming gesture, Priyanka Chopra took to social media to congratulate Angelina Jolie on her remarkable achievement at the Tony Awards, where the American actress-filmmaker's production The Outsiders clinched the prestigious accolade for Best Musical.
Priyanka shared a touching message on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, extending congratulations not only to Angelina but also to her daughter, Vivienne.
The Citadel star posted a candid snapshot from the event, capturing Angelina Jolie and Vivienne in a celebratory moment.
Alongside the photo, Priyanka wrote, “Huge congratulations to this angel who deserves everything in life and more! Congratulations on winning the Tony for best musical for The Outsiders and also multiple awards and 12 nominations!! You're a force and I'm so inspired by you every day @angelinajolie. Congratulations Vivienne."
The Outsiders, a compelling adaptation of the beloved novel by S.E. Hinton, delves into the dynamics of rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma.
Angelina Jolie served as a producer on the project, with Vivienne contributing as a producer assistant, marking a significant collaboration between mother and daughter in the realm of theatre, according to Deadline.
At the Tony Awards event, Angelina Jolie graced the occasion in a stunning teal gown, elegantly paired with a matching shawl, while 15-year-old Vivienne radiated charm in a coordinated ensemble comprising a white shirt, teal vest, and pants.
Reflecting on Vivienne's involvement, Jolie shared with Deadline, "She appreciates all theatre but she certainly knows what she feels close to and what she responds to. And then I had the privilege of watching everyone work over this last year to make it into what it is, and Vivienne has been there the whole way."
Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra gears up for her upcoming cinematic venture, The Bluff, directed by Frank E Flowers.
The movie is set in the 19th-century Caribbean and follows the story of a former female pirate, played by Priyanka, who must protect her family when the sins of her past catch up to her.
Produced by Russo Brothers' banner AGBO Studios and Amazon MGM Studios, The Bluff promises to be a thrilling adventure.
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.