In 2013, Bollywood actress Jiah Khan, who had been a part of films like Nishabd, Ghajini and Housefull committed suicide. The actress’ mother claims that it was not a simple suicide and Jiah was abetted to do so by Sooraj Pancholi who was in a relationship with her daughter.
Well, Sooraj has been in the police custody for the same and was later granted bail. The court case is still going on and the final verdict is yet to take place. Recently, when we met Sooraj and asked him if he feels that the filmmakers are hesitant to cast him in their movies because of the court case. To which the actor said, “Yes, because see if I was in their place I would feel the same way as there’s a lot of money that goes into filmmaking. I have never spoken about the case earlier because I thought it would end. I did believe in the court and I still do believe in the court, but I don’t have that much time to give up my career.”
“It’s a very sensitive topic and all my sympathies go with what has happened and I feel really bad. But right now I am talking not to promote my film; I am talking out because this is the opportunity I have, when can I sit with you guys again. I want to say my side and I said it at the trailer launch. I just had to say what I had to say, but now I am moving on with my life,” Sooraj added.
Sooraj made his Bollywood debut in 2015 with the film Hero which was produced by Salman Khan and also starred Athiya Shetty. The actor will next be seen on the big screen in Satellite Shankar which is slated to release on 8th November 2019.
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.