Simone Ashley, who plays the character of Kate Sharma in Netflix’s sensational drama series Bridgerton, based on the popular book series of the same name by Julia Quinn, has said that she loves being a part of the show but there is one aspect of filming it that she absolutely abhors.
It is no secret that Bridgerton is a historical drama, which means all the actors are required to dress in resplendently intricate and, at times, heavy costumes to add a touch of royalty to their characters. Ashley found this aspect of filming the show nearly unbearable.
Talking to The Sunday Times, she said, “Corsets push everything down to the bottom of your stomach. That means when you take them off, you have got a little bump. I hated wearing those corsets filming Bridgerton.
She further added, “I had a lot of pain with the corset. I think I tore my shoulder at one point! I realized when you wear the corset, you just do not eat. It changes your body. I had a smaller waist very momentarily. Then the minute you stop wearing it, you are just back to how your body is.”
Much to her delight, Ashley was able to go corset free for the much-anticipated season 3 of the show. She explained, “Luckily, we are allowed to wear bras now instead, and that has changed everything for me. I can do a 12-hour day and feel comfortable.”
Fans can brace themselves to see a lot of changes in Bridgerton 3. Ashley’s Kate won’t be a main character in, but they will see how she and Anthony are settling into married life. Sharing her excitement, she recently told Grazia in an interview, “I am really excited. “What’s so special about Bridgeton is that every season there is a new focus on a new love story. 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. 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.”
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Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.