By: Mohnish Singh
Actor Sharad Kelkar is currently basking in the glory of his outstanding performance in the recently released Horror-comedy film Laxmii (2020), co-starring Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani in lead roles.
After his royal act in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), wherein he played the role of the great Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Kelkar has once again succeeded in stealing the thunder from the lead cast and winning rave reviews for his performance from all quarters.
In Laxmii, Sharad Kelkar plays the character of a transgender person. Talking about how he slid into the skin of his character in the film, the talented actor tells an Indian publication, “I needed to be able to empathise with the pain of having been secluded from society for centuries. The process was quite cathartic for me.”
Kelkar has always shone brightly in films wherein he played strong supporting characters. Does not he wish to play the lead hero in movies? “Playing a hero can be quite boring. I have done plenty of roles as a hero on TV, so I do not crave to showcase only that avatar,” says the actor. However, he is quick to add, “If luck favours, then I may also play the quintessential hero someday.”
Sharad Kelkar, who was a well-established name on Indian television before he made a transition to films and web-shows, is not the one who rests on his laurels. He is now gearing up to start shooting for the final schedule of his next film Bhuj: The Pride of India. Produced by T-Series Films, the upcoming war-drama stars Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles. It is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar, forgoing its theatrical release.
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Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
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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.