Sophie Khan Levy, the actress behind EastEnders’ fiery character Priya Nandra-Hart, has been making waves not just for her on-screen drama but also for her real-life family ties. Fans were recently stunned to learn that Sophie is the daughter of Shaheen Khan, the beloved actress who played Mrs. Bhamra in the iconic 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham. The revelation has sparked a flurry of excitement among viewers, many of whom grew up watching Shaheen on screen and are now seeing her daughter carve her own path in the acting world.
Sophie’s character, Priya, stormed into Walford in 2023, bringing with her a whirlwind of drama. As Ravi’s (Aaron Thiara) ex-girlfriend and the mother of his secret daughter, Avani (Aaliyah James), Priya quickly became a central figure in the Panesar family’s turbulent storylines. From explosive family clashes to her own romantic entanglements, Priya has kept fans hooked. But off-screen, Sophie’s journey is equally compelling.
Before joining EastEnders, Sophie had already built an impressive resume. In 2023, she starred as Gabrielle Ade in the BBC’s gripping true crime drama The Sixth Commandment. She also appeared in All Creatures Great and Small as Florence Pandhi and took on the role of Beth in James Corden’s Amazon Prime series Mammals. Despite her growing list of credits, it’s her connection to her mother, Shaheen, that has recently captured the spotlight.
Shaheen Khan is a veteran of British television and film, known not just for Bend It Like Beckham but also for her roles in Casualty, Doctors, and Doctor Who. Her portrayal of Mrs. Bhamra, the traditional yet supportive mother in Bend It Like Beckham, resonated deeply with audiences, making her a household name. Now, seeing her daughter Sophie follow in her footsteps has been a delightful surprise for fans.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions. One TikTok user exclaimed, “Omg, I didn’t know the Bend It Like Beckham mum was her mum!” Another fan shared, “I love that film, and she’s so good as Priya.” The connection has even sparked conversations in households, with one viewer admitting, “I ran to tell everyone in my house they’re mother and daughter in real life!”
For Sophie, joining EastEnders was a dream come true. “I watched the show growing up, so walking onto the set and seeing familiar faces was surreal,” she shared last year. “I’m excited to see what trouble Priya gets into.”
The mother-daughter duo’s shared success actually shows the growing representation of British Asian talent in the entertainment industry. While Shaheen paved the way with her memorable roles, Sophie is now making her mark, proving that talent runs deep in their family. As fans continue to celebrate this connection, it’s clear that both women have left an indelible impact on British television.
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.