Talented actor Shaheer Sheikh has shown off his impressive versatility in a range of projects and won himself a dedicated fan base. One of the admirers is dedicated super fan Shrishti Ah from India. Eastern Eye caught up with Shrishti to find out more.
What first connected you to Shaheer Sheikh?
I was small when I saw Shaheer in television serial Navya for the first time. I was not a fan of any actor, but when I saw him, I became his fan instantly.
What made you become a super fan?
I have seen Shaheer from Navya onwards and love how he takes up challenging roles. He does something different, be it Arjuna, Dev Dixit, Nityanand or Salim (his roles). He justifies the role he plays. That is what made me become his super fan.
Tell us about something super you have done for him?
I try to make photo edits all the time. When I met him I was only able to gift my superhero edits and, yes, a letter. All I can do for Shaheer is to make edits of him with love, follow his positive example and support him.
What has been your most memorable moment?
It was when I met my superhero Shaheer. It was a dream come true that after so many years of supporting him, I got to meet Shaheer. The first time when I saw him standing on sets, I was not able to believe my eyes. He is such a beautiful person. I cannot explain in words the moment I talked with him. After meeting him, I became an even bigger super fan.
What is the thing you most love about Shaheer?
I love everything about Shaheer. He is my idol. I love his hardworking and dedicated nature, which inspires me in my own life. I also adore his poetry. I love how humble and sweet he is, and everything else.
Which quality in Shaheer do you most relate to?
I think his dedication to whatever work he does.
What is your favourite work Shaheer has done?
I love whichever role he takes up because he gives his 100 per cent and justifies his characters. He spreads awareness to save nature and I really love that the most.
Why do you love being a super fan?
I think it’s because he is not only a talented actor, but also a beautiful person inside and out. How can someone not love him?
Twitter: @ShrishtiAh
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.