By: Mohnish Singh
Bollywood star Vivek Anand Oberoi is not only a versatile actor but also a great humanitarian who has untiringly and selflessly worked for several social causes and upliftment of the underprivileged and downtrodden.
The award-winning actor has been associated with Ekal Foundation, a US-based charity foundation, since 2014. As its brand ambassador, he has been working towards bringing basic education to every corner of rural India.
Every year, the actor-producer makes it a point to fly to the US to participate in events and sessions and engage in a dialogue to bring about a change that positively impacts rural and tribal regions of India.
This year, however, due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, Vivek decided to host a virtual fundraiser event. With his help, the foundation raised more than Rs 500 million. This money will directly go towards the education and healthcare of more than ten crore Indians spread across one lakh remote tribal villages of India. Vivek has been fundraising for and promoting this brilliant cause for the past six years.
Talking about the same, he says, “I am so humbled by the phenomenal response of the NRI community to our appeal. Today, our Ekal Abhiyan received over 7 million dollars at the virtual fundraiser. This money will give a massive boost to our initiatives creating a huge social impact in over one lakh villages of Bharat. It will bring healthcare and education to ten crore Indians and help build a strong and capable future for our nation.”
On the work front, Vivek Anand Oberoi is busy with his upcoming projects Iti and Rosie: The Saffron Chapter. Both films will release next year in 2021.
Keep visiting this space for more updates from the world of entertainment.
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.