As England heads towards end of all the Covid restrictions, excitement and confusion is building equally in the air. Excitement over things returning to normal like pre-pandemic times and confusion over mixed messaging from the government over the use of masks and social distancing.
Here is the quick wrap of highlights of the week:
1. Ugly racist face of UK:
(Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
As the whole world watched and celebrated EURO 2020 spirit in one of the most exciting finals finish on Sunday (11), England showed its ugly racist face as the team’s three black players, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, were barraged with horrific racist abuse with their social media accounts being flooded with racial slurs after the team's defeat.
2. End of an era in photojournalism
Pic by Reuter photographer Danish Siddiqui
World mourned as Pulitzer-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, whose images of burning pyres in Delhi during deadly second wave spotlighted Indian’s state, died in line of duty while reporting from Afghanistan.
3. South Africa burning
Charred remains of cars on a street in violence-ravaged South Africa. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa has been burning after looting and destruction rolled across its economic heartland of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal as 120 people died and many severely injured.
4. Afghanistan unrest:
(Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)
Daughter of Afghanistan envoy to Pakistan was briefly kidnapped and “severely tortured” on Friday (16).
5. First Covid case in Olympics
Olympics is being held without spectators and under tight quarantine rules.(Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
First Covid case was reported in Olympic athletes’ village on Saturday (17), raising new doubts over promises of a “safe and secure” Games.
6. Sikh in new Pixar movie:
New image for the film Turning Red (Photo: Twitter)
Social media users and fans are divided in opinion as a Sikh character was spotted in a new Pixar movie trailer.
7. Freedom Day excitement
People wearing protective face masks walk over Westminster Bridge in London. (REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)
As England set to open on July 19, the government reminded Brits that pandemic is not yet over.
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.