Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who is the only Indian to be chosen for the 2023 edition of the TIME100 Impact Awards, on Wednesday said he is humbled by the honour which will encourage him to push the envelope of Indian content through his brand of cinema.
Known for tackling several social and taboo subjects through his films such as Vicky Donor, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan or Bala, Khurrana was chosen to be amongst 100 Most Influential People of the World by the US-based publication in 2020.
"This is the second time that the prestigious TIME Magazine has chosen to recognise the work that I do on camera as well as off it. I'm proud as well as humbled with this honour from TIME Magazine because it validates my core belief system as an artiste and a human being trying to affect positive social change.
"I'm deeply grateful to TIME Magazine for bestowing me with the TIME100 Impact honour this year. I have and will always try to push the content envelope of India through my brand of cinema," the Dream Girl 2 star said in a statement.
In the title of his profile of Khurrana, TIME magazine described the actor as "a Bollywood Star Like No Other". He won the National Award for Best Actor for 2018's Andhadhun.
"Khurrana has carefully curated a filmography that seamlessly switches between light-hearted commercial hits and films that critique the social mores of India's conservative middle class.
"The risk-taking has seen the actor win several more accolades, including a prestigious National Film Award, administered by the Indian government. As his career has flourished over the years, Khurrana has also become passionate about using his platform on the silver screen to advocate for social issues," the outlet stated.
Khurrana, who was appointed the National Ambassador by UNICEF India for ensuring the rights of every child, said he wants to use his work to make the country a better place.
"I shall also continue to work hard as the UNICEF Ambassador to aid as many children in need in my country. I want to make a difference through my craft and my actions so that the people too can join me in making this nation better for our future generations," he added.
Previous Indians who received the TIME100 Impact Award include actors Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone.
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.