Filmmaker Kiran Rao said it is sad that women have been suppressed through generations and it is "shameful" that they have to fight for equal pay even today.
The director said women have always had to struggle to fight for their rights.
"Historically, girls and women have been suppressed. It's known to all that for 1,000 years, women have been given secondary position. Not in India, but in other parts of the world women got voting rights much later.
"All over the world, women have to struggle to get their rights and recognition. If we talk about pay, the fact that women have to fight for 'equal pay for equal work' is shameful," Kiran told reporters.
She was speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming production, Secret Superstar, last evening (2).
"I just want to tell women that the best message through this film is that don't be scared to dream. Don't be scared to desire or want things. It's your right to have freedom, to follow your heart and dreams," she added.
The film features Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij and Aamir Khan in lead roles. It chronicle the story of a child who aspires to be a singer.
At the event, her husband actor Aamir was also present.
When asked if she has acting ambitions the Dangal star said, "I have been requesting her to act for the longest time because she is fantastic.
"When we were working on Dhobi Ghat, she used to read out Yasmin's (Kriti Malhotra) role so well. I was tired of telling her that she should take up this role but she was adamant that she only wants to direct," he said.
Kiran, however, said she would rather do theatre than take up acting in films.
"In college, I enjoyed acting. I learnt a lot from it and it helped me while I was directing my film. But I have no real intentions to act. I do have an interest in theatre though. I feel when I retire, I would like to do theatre."
The 43-year-old filmmaker, who last directed the 2011 Dhobi Ghat, said she is keen to helm a movie soon.
"I am trying to write something and hope to complete a script which I eventually make. I have a lot of interest in that subject. The work is on. Hopefully I'll be able to make a film soon. Even I really want to make," she said.
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.