The trailer of Mira Nair's much-awaited miniseries A Suitable Boy hit the internet on Saturday and quickly became a talking point on social media.
Based on acclaimed author Vikram Seth's bestselling novel of the same name, the miniseries features Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, and Tanya Maniktala in principal characters. Mahira Kakkar, Rasika Dugal, and Ram Kapoor round off the cast.
Set against the backdrop of newly independent India, A Suitable Boy gives us a sneak peek into the life of Rupa Mehra who wishes to find a suitable boy for her 19-year-old daughter Lata, and Maan Kapoor and courtesan Saeeda Bai who are in a forbidden romantic relationship, frowned upon by the society and Kapoor's father.
The miniseries marks the digital debut of seasoned Bollywood actress Tabu and newcomer Ishaan Khatter. When asked if it was easy romancing Tabu onscreen, Ishaan had earlier said on a chat show, “Because that person is Tabu, it really does half the job for you. I have said this before and I have said this in Dhadak as well, it is always easy for me to play the besotted lover. Because she is mesmerising, she is and especially in this character. I am really excited for people to see Saaeda Bai.”
Helmed by Mira Nair and written by Andrew Davies, A Suitable Boy has been shot across various locations in India, including Lucknow and Maheshwar.
The show marks Tabu’s reunion with filmmaker Mira after a long gap of 14 years. The two last worked together on the acclaimed 2006 drama The Namesake.
A Suitable Boy is scheduled for its grand premiere on July 26 on BBC One.
Keep visiting this space for more updates and reveals from the glitzy world of entertainment.
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.