Star Plus, one of the leading general entertainment channels in Hindi, is gearing up to launch the next season of its most popular celebrity dance reality show, Nach Baliye. Since the show is hitting the small screen after a gap of two years, the channel is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the audience is hooked to it from the word go.
While Star Plus is busy revealing one celebrity contestant after the other, we have also got our hands on some interesting details about the premiere episode of Nach Baliye 9. As per insiders, the premiere episode of Nach Baliye 9 is going to feature Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone as special guests.
Yes, you heard that absolutely right! The ex-couple is set to grace the premiere episode of the new season of Nach Baliye. As we all know that the theme of the upcoming season of the show revolves around current and ex-couples coming together to burn the floor with their killer dance moves, so the makers of Nach Baliye 9 thought it would be a joy to get Kapoor and Padukone onboard.
Earlier, reports were doing the rounds that Deepika Padukone would appear with her husband Ranveer Singh but since Singh is currently in London shooting for his upcoming film 83, he was unable to join her in India. Reportedly, Abigale Pandey and Sanam Johar will perform in the first episode of Nach Baliye 9. Former winners Divyanka Tripathi Daiya and Vivek Dahiya will be hosting a segment in the premiere episode.
Produced by superstar Salman Khan, Nach Baliye 9 is scheduled to hit the airwaves in July.
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.