Under the Bridge, based on the disappearance of Reena Virk, is currently streaming on Hulu.
Archie Panjabi, who plays a pivotal role in the show, said that the true crime drama made her feel like she has been “punched in the stomach.”
She told a publication, “Because I had never heard of this terrible tragedy. I was really shocked. And of course, being from the same cultural background as that family, I felt it was an important story that I wanted to be part of. The character was completely out of my comfort zone…but, I was excited to sink my teeth into something that I’ve never done before.”
She added, “Why did a group of teenagers do what they did to that poor young girl? That’s a question of the whole show. It’s certainly something I felt, why did nobody speak up? I think that’s something that will hopefully get people talking and start a conversation about things like bullying and harassment.”
In 1997, Virk - a 14-year-old Indian girl in Canada - disappeared after attending a party, only found to be murdered. The murder that took place in British Columbia in the late 90s made widespread headlines.
The Canadian-Punjabi teenager attended a party with friends but was later attacked. She was tortured, burned with cigarettes and beaten. Although she initially escaped, two people followed her and attacked her again, ultimately drowning her to death.
In addition to Panjabi, Under the Bridge also stars Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone in prominent roles.
The show premiered on Hulu for US viewers on April 17, starting with two episodes. New episodes will be released every week.
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.