Radhika Apte recently gave her followers a raw and honest look into her life as a new mother juggling work commitments. At the 2025 BAFTA Awards, where her film Sister Midnight was nominated, she shared a behind-the-scenes moment that resonated with many. In a photo posted on social media, Radhika is seen in a bathroom, multitasking with a breast pump in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other. The image showed us a glimpse of the raw duality of her life, balancing the demands of motherhood with the glitz of a high-profile event.
With a funny note, she called it her “BAFTA reality,” talking about the challenges of being a new working mom. In her post, she gave a shoutout to her assistant, Natasha, who made it all possible. Natasha not only helped her navigate the logistics of pumping milk but also brought her champagne in the bathroom—because why not? Radhika pointed out how rare it is to find such understanding and support in the film industry, and she didn’t hold back her gratitude.
Her honesty struck a chord, especially with other moms in the industry. Kalki Koechlin, who became a mother in 2020, chimed in with words of encouragement, while others flooded the comments with heart emojis. Radhika’s post wasn’t just about sharing a moment; it was a reminder of the invisible struggles many new mothers face, often hidden behind the polished images we see.
This year’s BAFTAs marked Radhika’s first big outing since welcoming her baby two months ago. Despite the sleepless nights and the exhaustion that comes with early motherhood, she walked the red carpet with grace, looking stunning in a lilac outfit. In another post, she spoke about the significance of the night, thanking her team for their support. “First big outing after birth… 2 months postpartum… 2 hours of sleep… I couldn’t have done it without the fabulous people in the team,” she wrote.
Sister Midnight, a horror-comedy directed by Karan Kandhari, earned a nod for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. The film, which premiered at Cannes, tells the story of a woman trapped in an unhappy arranged marriage. Radhika’s performance has been widely praised, and the film continues to make waves on the global stage, with screenings at festivals and a planned release in select U.S. theatres.
Radhika and her husband, musician Benedict Taylor, welcomed their first child in December 2024. The couple, who married in 2012, have kept their child’s name and face out of the spotlight, choosing to protect their privacy while navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. Radhika’s recent posts are a breath of fresh air and a reminder to embrace both the chaos and the beauty of this new chapter, all while staying true to herself.
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.