After a brutal home invasion in January left him injured and shaken, Saif Ali Khan has made a significant change; he’s bought a holiday home in Qatar. The new property, located on the luxurious St Regis Marsa Arabia Island at The Pearl in Doha, isn’t just about real estate for Saif but about finding a sense of calm and comfort after a turbulent start to the year.
At a recent press event hosted by the Alfardan Group, Saif opened up about what led to the purchase. While in Doha for work, he stayed at the property and found himself drawn to the overall experience. “It just felt right,” he said. The privacy, the well-designed spaces, the food, and the general pace of life all played a part in his decision. But more than anything, it was the feeling of safety that mattered most.
Saif Ali Khan keeps it classic in a crisp look, embodying understated eleganceGetty Images
Given the timing, that detail stands out. In mid-January, Saif was attacked by an intruder inside his Bandra apartment during an attempted robbery. He was hospitalised for multiple injuries, including damage to his thoracic spine, and spent five days at Lilavati Hospital before being discharged.
Three months later, he’s slowly stepping back into public life, promoting his new Netflix film Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, and reflecting on the need for spaces that feel secure. Qatar, he said, checks that box for him. “It’s peaceful, it’s secluded, and it’s close to home,” he shared.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan spotted together at an eventGetty Images
He also mentioned wanting to take his children, Taimur and Jeh, to the property soon. “It’s a good place for the family to relax,” he said. The idea of an island within an island appealed to him. More like an escape, yet accessible.
Saif already owns homes in Mumbai, the historic Pataudi Palace, and properties abroad in London and Gstaad. But after what he’s been through, this decision is less about luxury and more about regaining a sense of safety.
As he returns to the spotlight with Jewel Thief, streaming from 25 April, Saif seems to be choosing peace, both on screen and off.
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.