Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film Pathaan (2023) has set the box office on fire. Ever since its theatrical release on January 25, the film has been doing phenomenal business not only in India but overseas also.
The spy thriller marked Khan’s return to the silver screen after a huge gap of more than four years. And when Pathaan finally found its way into cinemas, fans were over the moon and thronged to cinemas to watch their favourite superstar on the screen after years.
The roaring success of the Siddharth Anand directorial has caught the notice of international critics as well. Critics all over the world are praising the film and its lead star Shah Rukh Khan. However, an American journalist and critic recently referred to Khan as ‘India's Tom Cruise’ in an article, and this comparison did not go down well with the millions of Khan’s fans.
Scott Mendelson, who writes for The Wrap, shared a link to an article he wrote with the headline: “India's Tom Cruise Shah Rukh Khan May Have Just Saved Bollywood With His Blockbuster Pathaan.”
SRK fans were quick to react to his article.
“He isn't Tom Cruise, he is Shah Rukh Khan, the one and only,” wrote an angered fan.
"SRK is SRK. He isn't Indian Tom Cruise but rather a national treasure, he is a man beyond his films" read another.
One tweet said simply: “The disrespect.”
"SRK is King, the multidimensional greatest actor with attitude, style, craft, drama, romance, action, etc. No one is even closer to him. Do not ever compare him with any other person," wrote another SRK fan.
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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.