Actor Angad Hasija’s popular show Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai is currently on air in Indonesia. The actor, who rose to fame with the same show in India, says that the show changed his life. “Bidaai has been a lucky show for everyone. It is also a number show in Turkey, Albania and Bulgaria. Bidaai changed my career completely; it made me successful. People work in so many shows and go through so many difficult phases to make a mark, but I never had to face such problems. It has been almost 5 years since Bidaai went off-air in India, but people are still crazy for the show. I still attend events as a part of Bidaai,” says Angad.
Angad is excited to be in Indonesia currently. “Here, people are crazy about India. All my friends, who have been here, told me a lot about the country and now I am finally here, so obviously, I am excited. I heard that the fans are very supportive. I know that I am going to learn something different and new,” he says.
Indian actors are often given fat pay cheques for their work in Indonesia. Ask him if this is a motivation for him as well, and he says, “It is true that they pay good money and somewhere everyone feels that their efforts should get good money, that they deserve better. And people in Indonesia are crazy about Indian actors; they love our shows, so the money will obviously be generous as well.”
The actor played a mentally challenged man in Bidaai and says that it was tough. “My character Alekh was a Schizophrenic. Initially, I had a problem, but I really worked hard to build the character. And now, my efforts are being paid off. I got a lot of fan-following and people still praise me for my acting,” he says.
Angad also met Rani Rajesh Jagtiani of PT Spectrum Films and says that it was a pleasure. “I had heard a lot about her. When I met her, I felt very comfortable. She knows how difficult it can be to settle in a new place, so she makes sure that you are at home. She also talks very nicely. And most importantly, she is a nice person,” he adds. Rani Rajesh is famous for acquiring Indian programs and with the telecast of Mahabharat in Indonesia the trend of Indian actors being called to Indonesia started.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.