Bollywood actor Tahir Raj Bhasin, who is a die-hard fan of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, admits that Khan’s struggle to reach the top of the Bollywood ladder has been a source of inspiration and courage for him.
Bhasin, like SRK, hails from New Delhi and he credits the talismanic superstar for paving the way for fellow outsiders to dream big in Bollywood. Coincidentally, his recently released Netflix show Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen (YKKA), has been named after the chartbuster track from SRK’s runaway blockbuster Baazigar (1993).
“I think every young actor in India aspires to get the love and fan following that someone like Shah Rukh Khan commands. SRK is not only a megastar he is an emotion. For me, Shah Rukh Khan sir was always inspirational and his journey has always been a source of strength. I came to Mumbai from New Delhi, just like him. He was a total outsider with absolutely no godfathers and it’s no secret that I didn’t know a single soul in Bollywood when I came to the city,” Bhasin said.
The actor went on to add, “What drives me to deliver powerful performances on screen is the love and the trust the audience has in me to be a clutter breaker. Now, I’m playing a romantic lead in Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen and it’s such an amazing coincidence that the title of the show is based on one of his biggest chartbusters from Baazigar. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the name of the show. For someone who really respects and idolises SRK, this is too good to be true!”
About the significance of the SRK song in YKKA, Bhasin says, “The title of YKKA fits aptly with the show’s complex theme of love, betrayal, and vengeance and its tragic power structure. It’s almost poetic. I remember that, when I was offered the project, I used to play the song every single day in the morning for about a month or so. It just filled me with so much joy. It felt like I have arrived in the industry if I’m doing a project that has used SRK’s song as the title. I’m thoroughly enjoying my journey exploring the romantic genre and nothing gets better when you have an SRK blockbuster song to fuel that passion on screen.”
Bhasin will next be seen in the much-awaited heist rom-com Looop Lapeta, set to premiere on Netflix on February 4, 2022.
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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.