In a time when many soaps are being pulled down within months of going on air, completing one year is definitely an achievement. However, the popular Zee TV show Piyaa Albela has achieved the feat with élan. The show, which began its telecast on 6th March 2017, has been keeping the audience hooked to their television sets since its premiere. With this, it has successfully completed one year of its run.
Actress Sheen Dass, who plays the lead character, Pooja, recalls some amazing moments which she has shared with her co-stars and the crew of the sho. The actress reveals that initially, she did not know how to break the ice with her co-star Parul Chaudhary.
“Initially, I was wondering how Parul and I will be able to share the same room, but as I spent time with her, I realized how wonderful she is. Now, our relationship has evolved and I feel a void on-set if Parul has a day off,” she said.
Talking about co-star Akshay Mhatre, she praises the actor for his passion towards his craft. “I took time to get to know Akshay because he is such a passionate actor and was always deeply involved in his characterization. When Akshay is on set, he is extremely professional but during our free time on sets and otherwise, Akshay is a fun loving person and awesome company to hang out with. He is very sincere and serious about his work and I have imbibed that from him," she said.
The actress also added that the sho has gifted her some good friends. "I am grateful that Piyaa Albela has gifted me some good friends and beautiful human beings like Ankit (Rahul Vyas), Parul Chaudhry (Neelima Vyas) and Akshay Mhatre (Naren Vyas)."
Produced by Rajshri Productions, Piyaa Albela is a love story that revolves around Naren and Pooja. The show features Marathi actor Akshay Mhatre as the male lead Naren while debutante Sheen Das plays the leading lady Pooja.
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.