It has been close to one and a half months since Squid Game (2021) premiered on Netflix, and the South Korean survival drama is still going pretty strong, smashing all viewership records for a streaming show. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game featured a host of talented actors in layered characters, whose performances have received rave reviews from across the world.
Indian actor Anupam Tripathi, who played the much-loved character of Abdul Ali in the series, is presently basking in the huge success of Squid Game. The actor recently appeared on Tiffany Young’s show Breakfast With Tiffany and made some interesting revelations about his life post the earth-shattering success of the show.
When asked what changed the most post Squid Game's worldwide success, Tripathi revealed that he has received a slew of exciting casting offers not only from South Korea but Hollywood and India also over the past few weeks.
For the uninitiated, Anupam Tripathi moved to South Korea at a very young age. He became interested in acting after playing a slave in a stage production of Spartacus. Later, he learned acting at the Korea National University of Arts (KARTs) on the Arts Major Asian scholarship.
Tripathi revealed that initially, he planned to move back to India but eventually decided to stay back in South Korea and explore acting opportunities there. He appeared in several South Korean TV shows and films before the roaring success of Squid Game changed his world forever.
The actor, however, did not reveal if he has signed any Hollywood or Indian project, but we are definitely looking forward to seeing him in more diverse characters across different industries.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.