Seema Kapoor has shown off her talent on top TV shows such as Kismat, Kurukshetra, Hasratein, Hum Saath Aath Hai, Nagin, Gul Sanobar and Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. The acclaimed actress currently stars in popular drama serial Udaariyaan.
Eastern Eye caught up with the popular small screen star to discuss her career, how childhood abuse and a suicide attempt as a youngster shaped her, and why it’s important to never give up.
How do you reflect on your acting journey?
My journey has been the most interesting, having done versatile roles, which were all appreciated and successful. I’ve had the maximum number of serials as a lead to my credit. All are close to my heart.
Which of these projects has been closest to your heart?
Kismat, Kurukshetra, Hasratein, Hum Saath Aath Hai, Nagin, Gul Sanobar and Bidaai are my favourites.
Which character challenged you most?
The most challenging was A Suitable Bride in which I played 12 roles live on stage.
Who have you most enjoyed working with?
I enjoyed working the most with Ramesh Sippy Ji and Rajan Shahi ji.
Would you have done anything differently?
I would not do any of the roles differently, as they all were played to the hilt, keeping a lot of factors in mind. They can’t be more perfect, as all were done with my best capabilities.
What has the experience of working in hit serial Udaariyaan been like?
Udaariyaan was a good experience overall and different.
How do you stay motivated on a show with hundreds of episodes, like Udaariyaan has?
I stay motivated in a long show, as I approach each day and the scenes with a fresh mindset. I see each episode as a new challenge. Long shows make me feel good and charged. So, whether it is 100 or 1,000 episodes, it doesn’t matter to me. The more, the better. The monotony therefore doesn't lower my spirit, as I do it with the same enthusiasm as when I'd begun.
You recently spoke about having an abusive mother. How did that shape you?
Yes, I went through child abuse at the hands of my mother. Also, I belong to a broken family. As a product of such circumstances, I shy away from people due to (lack of) trust issues. I became a reserved person, a loner and self-reliant. I became stern with myself and a perfectionist, as I learned life on my own.
You also spoke about a suicide attempt as a 15-year-old, after a much older man deceived you. How have you remained strong through tough times?
Deception definitely made me stronger and self-abiding. It also made me spiritually inclined and compassionate towards children, those less able and animals.
What advice would you give someone going through difficulties?
I would always want people to not give up during tough times. One should combat the circumstances with enough gusto. Never give up or opt for weaker solutions. Tough times don't last forever and remember, every cloud has a silver lining.
After all these years, do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Yes, there are loads of unfulfilled dreams. This includes dream roles. My fingers are crossed to realise them all.
What inspires you?
Loyalty, honesty, ingenuity, real people and good work inspire me endlessly. I detest any kind of mediocrity and love to soar high above.
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.