By: Mohnish Singh
Sharad Kelkar was one of the most sought-after actors on Indian television when he decided to take a break from the small screen and explore opportunities in films. Over the past few years, he has delivered amazing performances in several notable films, including Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013), Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020) and Laxmii (2020).
After playing supporting characters in a number of films, Kelkar is now graduating to a solo role in the upcoming Hindi film Deja Vu, expected to enter theatres towards the end of the year. Though the talented actor is psyched up about his first solo lead film, he refuses to get weighed down by any sort of pressure that generally leading roles come with.
“I chose the project very carefully and wisely. It is not a big-budget film where a lot of money is riding on me, because the content is very good. I believe that the film will be appreciated because of the way we shot it and I have full faith in the director Abhijeet Warang,” says Kelkar.
The actor, who was last seen in ZEE5’s Darbaan (2020), goes on to add, “I am not feeling any kind of pressure. If you take the pressure, things might go wrong, and if you don’t take any pressure, they go very smoothly.”
Apart from Deja Vu, Sharad Kelkar has several interesting projects lined up for release in the next few months, including Bhuj: The Pride of India and Jersey. Both projects are ready and are waiting for their release. While Bhuj: The Pride of India is set for its digital premiere on Disney+ Hotstar, Jersey is poised for a theatrical release on November 5, 2021, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
Kelkar also essays an important character in the Tamil-language film Ayalaan, which marks his debut in Kollywood. In Marathi, he will be seen in Paavan Khind.
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.