Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic Bandra bungalow, Mannat, is under scrutiny after an environmental activist alleged violations of coastal and heritage regulations during its ongoing renovation. India’s environmental watchdog, known as the National Green Tribunal (NGT), has stepped in to investigate the claims, highlighting the tension between urban development and environmental conservation.
Mannat, a Grade III heritage structure, has been Shah Rukh Khan’s residence since 2001. The bungalow, estimated to be worth around £17.7m (200 crore), is undergoing significant renovations, including the addition of floors to the annexe, expanding its built-up area by 616.02 square metres. However, activist Santosh Daundkar has raised concerns over alleged violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, which are designed to protect Mumbai’s ecologically sensitive coastal areas.
Daundkar’s complaint to the NGT accuses Khan of demolishing two heritage structures without obtaining the necessary environmental clearance. He also alleges the illegal construction of a basement six metres below ground level, involving the extraction of groundwater and minor minerals, both prohibited under CRZ rules. Additionally, Daundkar claims that Khan constructed 12 one-bedroom-hall-kitchen flats under the guise of mass housing and later combined them into a luxury single-family residence, violating India’s Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976.
The NGT has directed Daundkar to provide evidence within four weeks, with a hearing scheduled for 23 April. If the activist fails to substantiate the allegations, the case may be dismissed, allowing Khan to proceed with the renovations.
Mannat, originally built in the late 1800s by Raja Bijai Sen of Mandi, holds significant historical and architectural value. Its Grade III heritage status requires any structural changes to be approved by relevant authorities. The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing urban development with environmental and heritage conservation in a city like Mumbai.
As the NGT investigates, the outcome of the case could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations in high-profile urban projects. For now, Mannat remains a symbol of Bollywood’s grandeur, even as it faces legal and environmental scrutiny.
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.