After making an impressive mark on the Mumbai circuit and gaining popularity online, stand-up comedian Shreeja Chaturvedi recently performed her first show outside India at Soho Theatre in London.
Far from being intimidated by the international leap, the naturally gifted comic delivered an assured performance at the iconic venue, which has become a platform for rising Indian talent in recent years.
Following a steady start filled with anecdotes about the UK and India, along with self-deprecating observations, Chaturvedi gained impressive momentum as the Hindi-language show progressed. She glided through a diverse range of subjects that were all relatable – from the absurdities of nature, waterfalls, avocados and cooking, to themes like fear and feminism.
She was at her best when speaking about the communication gap between her parents and her experiences with confrontation, including with her boyfriend. Her take on male silence and why it exists had the audience in roars of laughter.
A clearly skilled performer, Chaturvedi moved effortlessly between deadpan delivery and high-energy storytelling, taking on the personas of those she described with sharp timing and flair. Unapologetically bold, she did not shy away from talking about taboo subjects like buying condoms and used colourful language to punctuate her routines.
Perhaps her biggest strength was how instantly relatable she was – from her personality to the topics she explored. A touch more confidence would have elevated the set even further, and she could have leaned more into the strong rapport she had with the audience.
That said, it was a thoroughly entertaining show that marked the international arrival of a major comic talent from India.
With her strong stage presence and originality, she is sure to be in demand for future UK performances – and is more than capable of reaching a wider audience with a set in English too.
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.