After the worldwide success of the first two seasons, Bridgerton 3 is highly awaited by fans around the globe. While Netflix is yet to announce when the hit romance will return to entertain the audience again, Simone Ashley, who first appeared on screens as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, has spilled some beans on the forthcoming season.
Talking to Grazia, Ashley said that the third season will focus on a new side to Kate as she settles into her role as viscountess.
“I am really excited. What’s so special about Bridgeton is that every season there is a new focus on a new love story,” she said. “So, in season three, I am really excited for everyone to see Penelope and Collin's love story unfold because it has been a long time coming.”
She added, “But I am equally as excited for everyone to see Kate settling into the Bridgerton family and a little bit more of her backstory as well.”
Ashley has received widespread acclaim for the portrayal of Kate Sharma in Bridgerton. Talking about how seeing other women of colour in the entertainment industry thrive, inspired her own journey. “I think it is really important for the entertainment industry - especially for women of colour - to just be like, “Look, we are a community, and let’s welcome each other in whether you have been in here for years, or if you are new, or wherever you have come from, we are here to do this together and to support each other. There is a seat at the table for all of us’’.”
When asked how important is it to her to take up characters that transcend stereotypes, the actress said, “It’s all I have ever wanted. When I wanted to be an actress - I just wanted to be an actress. So, I was I never wanted to play stereotypes. That's why it is so important for the entertainment industry to create roles that are authentic.”
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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.