By: Mohnish Singh
2020 has not been a great year for several industries out there, but it has turned out to be an even worse year for Bollywood in particular. The negative narratives built around the Hindi film industry, especially after the tragic demise of talented actor Sushant Singh Rajput, is going to have a far-reaching effect on the reputation of the industry.
Several actors, filmmakers, and writers have expressed their opinion on how Bollywood has been unnecessarily targeted by certain people and media houses. Actress Tamannaah Bhatia is the latest star to share her opinion on the issue.
Talking to a publication, she says, “I think this the worst phase that the industry is going through. It is wrong and unfair to blame the film industry for anything and everything. Because we are always in the limelight and spoken about it just becomes easy to make statements about it. There are good and bad everywhere.”
Bollywood has always been accused of promoting the culture of nepotism and bullying outsiders. Bhatia says that she feels extremely grateful for the kind of opportunities that she has found.
“Yes, I am not from the industry, I do not have a godfather or a mentor. I have done everything on my own. I feel extremely grateful for the kind of opportunities, love, and adulation I have got from the audience. It was something I never expected. So, if you are dedicated, hardworking, and talented, you will survive. Good efforts count,” she adds.
She goes on to add that there are enough opportunities for everyone in today’s time. “Luckily, I got a film like Baahubali that still is one of the biggest hit films in India. I feel it does not matter if you are from the industry or not. In fact, today, more than ever, it is a great time for everyone, especially outsiders because the kind of good content is being generated and work is being distributed purely on the basis of talent. I think being an insider does not promise you more than an opportunity. Most of the biggest stars today are outsiders. Only good work and talent sell,” she concludes.
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A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.