AFTER the success of her first novel, Would I Lie To You, Aliya Ali-Afzal has returned with her recently published second book, The Big Day.
Rather than feeling the pressure of a successful debut, the British author confidently delivers another winning story that explores family dynamics and human relationships.
Gardening-loving lawyer Noor did not consider marriage until she was completely swept off her feet by the charming and dashing doctor, Dan.
Instead of smoothly sailing towards the low-key wedding they want, things start to spiral out of control when family members, including Noor’s overbearing mother Leena, begin to interfere in everything – from the outfits and the venue to the wedding itself.
There’s also a culture clash, secrets unravelled, and family bonds tested to the very limit. Ali-Afzal is a talented writer and she presents another action-packed comedy-drama that combines sensitive topics, raw emotion and conflict with light-hearted moments.
At the heart of it all is her remarkable ability to create universally relatable characters dealing with issues that feel familiar to the reader. The sensitively written book immerses the reader in the emotions of each protagonist and the anxiety-inducing situations they find themselves in.
There’s also a great air of unpredictability and suspense, as the reader is left wondering whether there will even be a wedding at all. It keeps one guessing right up until the very end.
It’s not all drama, as there’s also plenty of humour in the chaos-filled journey towards the big day, adding yet another entertaining layer to this book, which could easily be adapted into a delightful movie.
Ultimately, this is a joyous, funny, heart-warming and sensitive page-turner of a novel that will appeal to different generations - just like the author’s accomplished debut.
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.