SUPER hit TV serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has launched a lot of stars into the sky and one of them is Shilpa Raizada.
The talented actress started work on the globally successful show in 2016 after delivering winning performances in other dramas. Four years later, she has made the character of Surekha Goenka her own and regularly shows off her impressive range in the hit serial.
Eastern Eye caught up with Shilpa to speak about acting, working on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and her future hopes.
What first connected you to acting?
I remember wanting to see myself on the screen from a young age and this led me towards pursuing a career that could make that happen. (Smiles) And here I am.
How do you look back at your decade-long journey working on Indian television?
I am doing what I love so, yes, am feeling good about it, but I am also still learning and looking forward to taking on more challenges.
What has the whole Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai experience been like?
It has been absolutely amazing. I am thankful for the experience, the crew and fellow cast members.
What has been your favourite moment from this Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai experience?
Although the show itself has given me lovely experiences, my favourite part is the reaction of fans whenever I am out and encounter them.
Why do you think the show is so super successful?
It is very relatable. The content of the show is same as in real life also, so people feel the same experience in their life. And it’s a grounded Indian show, full of values, relationships, family and marriages. It is also a great costume drama in its own right, I feel.
Looking ahead, what would be your dream role?
I want to do a very challenging role like a dual personality, someone who is a bit psycho. I also want to do a full-on comedy and take on a romantic role. I just want to keep attempting different characters.
Who are your acting heroes?
No one! I, me and myself am my hero.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?
When I do get time I like watching comedy shows and suspense thrillers.
Why do you love being an actress?
I just enjoy playing different characters and exploring new emotions. Basically, I just want to touch and feel the emotions of a human being. As a woman, I feel we we go through lots of experiences in our life and I want to use that to portray diverse characters, and in the process, show my versatility as an actress.
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.