Rani Mukerji, who began her acting career with Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat in 1996, has been entertaining audiences for close to three decades now. When she started out, a lot of people doubted if she would manage to have a long inning in Bollywood because of her husky voice. However, she went on to prove everyone wrong and established herself as one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.
Last seen in Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021), Mukerji is presently waiting for the release of her next film Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.
During an interview with an entertainment portal, the actress shared how she only accepted constructive criticism and paid no heed to criticism that came with an agenda during her career.
“If I really believed what people thought about my voice, then my voice would not have been loved by millions of people,” she said. “If I hadn’t put my foot down and dubbed my own films…people today recognise me by my voice. Not many people thought that my voice could become so special.”
She added, “If I start looking at that, I will have to start living for other people rather than myself.”
She further said, “If there is a criticism which can be constructive, I will take that. But if there is a criticism only because there is agenda behind it, you can understand it and you don’t need to pay heed to it.”
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is based on the life of Sagarika Chakraborty, who fought a tough battle against the government of Norway after the authorities of the European country snatched away her children, citing that she and her husband are not raising them well.
The film is set to release on March 17, 2023, almost 12 years after Sagarika's ordeal began.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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.