Recently, the makers of the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer Pathaan launched the first song “Besharam Rang” from the film, which started trending on YouTube within minutes of going online.
While “Besharam Rang,” composed by Vishal-Sheykhar, has a peppy tune and showcases the sizzling chemistry between SRK and Deepika Padukone, the song is being trolled for its choreography and Padukone’s outfit, specifically a saffron-coloured bikini she dons in a few parts.
“Besharam Rang” has caused a huge controversy with Padukone in the eye of the storm. It is the saffron-coloured bikini that the actress wears in the song that has apparently hurt the religious sentiments of a section of the audience.
Amidst this hue and cry, a user, who is seemingly a retired IPS officer, tried to drag Padukone’s husband Ranveer Singh into the controversy. He wrote on Twitter, “What kind of a husband allows or tolerates public molestation of his wife for a few bucks? Just asking!”
His comment obviously did not go down well with a number of netizens who schooled him properly. National Film Award-winning filmmaker Onir also hit out at the user and said, “Yucks.. sick mentality. Use of words like “allows” “tolerate” shows that he belongs to that tribe of men who thinks a husband owns the women. And only a vulgar mindset could make a montage like this. Retired and now nothing better to do than zoom in pics and spread hate.”
Meanwhile, the demand to boycott the film has been gaining momentum on Twitter. A number of politicians have also joined the growing voices calling for a ban on the film.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Wednesday termed the outfits and scenes in the “Besharam Rang” song “obscene and condemnable”. “Actress Deepika Padukone’s costume is highly objectionable and the song has been shot with a dirty mindset. The scenes and costumes of the songs should be changed, or we will have to take a decision on its screening in Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand, is scheduled to hit screens on January 25, 2023.
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.