Actor-couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazalon Thursday launched their fashion label Ehaab Couture, dedicated to celebrating the art of Chikankari embroidery.
According to a press release, Ehaab Couture is inspired by the cultural richness of the city and encapsulates the essence of tradition, nostalgia, and old-world charm.
"The name 'Ehaab' means the art of gifting and ties in with who Richa and Ali are as people having always backed the right kind of causes. With this, their motive is to help preserve an art form and empower an entire community of artisans from Lucknow," it said.
The fashion venture is also an attempt to honour the "legacy of artisans who have safeguarded India's handcrafted heritage for generations".
"Chikankari is Lucknow's gift to the world. With this venture, we envision fashion as a medium of love, where each piece is crafted by hand, carrying the soulful essence of the artisans who meticulously weave every thread," Fazal said.
Chadha, 37, said their collaboration with the artisans of Lucknow is rooted in compassion and respect.
"Ehaab Couture invites you to experience the magic of handmade craftsmanship and join us in our mission to preserve one of India's many culturally significant art forms," she added.
Chadha and Fazal, 37, recently launched their production banner Pushing Buttons Studios. Their first film, Girls Will Be Girls, bagged two awards at the 2024 edition of the Sundance Film Festival.
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.