In the cutthroat world of cinema, where the race for recognition often feels like a battle against invisible walls, true validation is rare. It’s not just about trophies or red carpets but it’s about being seen, understood, and celebrated for the art you pour your soul into. This week, one of India’s brightest talents, Divya Prabha, experienced a moment of such validation, indeed a moment so powerful, it doesn’t need an Oscar statuette to prove its worth.
A leading publication often known as the Hollywood bible of film industry insights, dropped a bombshell in its Oscar predictions: Divya Prabha should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in All We Imagine as Light. Let that sink in. The film itself may not have made the official Oscar shortlist, but her performance was so undeniable, so magnetic, that it forced one of the most influential voices in global cinema to sit up and take notice. This isn’t just a nod but more like a standing ovation from an industry that has often side-lined non-Western talent.
Directed by the brilliant Payal Kapadia, All We Imagine as Light is no ordinary film. It’s a masterpiece that made history as the first Indian film in 30 years to compete in Cannes’ main competition and it didn’t just compete; it won the Grand Prix, the festival’s second-highest honour. At its heart is Divya Prabha and Kani Kusriti whose performances are a masterclass in subtlety and strength. They did not just act; they became. Divya Prabha's portrayal is so raw, so human, that it transcends language and culture, leaving audiences across the globe spellbound.
“People in America love her,” Payal Kapadia recently shared, her words brimming with pride. And why wouldn’t they? Divya Prabha has a rare gift, the ability to make you feel every heartbeat, every unspoken word, every flicker of emotion. Her craft isn’t just about acting; it’s about connecting. And in a world that often feels divided, her art reminds us of our shared humanity.
But let’s not forget this moment didn’t come easy. Breaking into the global arena as an Indian actress is no walk in the park. It’s a journey paved with relentless hard work, auditions, rejections, and the quiet determination to keep going even when the odds seem stacked against you. Her inclusion in Oscar predictions isn’t just a personal win; it’s a victory for every Indian artist who has ever dreamt of being seen on the world stage.
This is bigger than awards. It’s about shifting narratives and breaking barriers. It’s about proving that talent knows no borders and that stories, no matter where they come from, have the power to move the world. The lack of an Oscar nomination doesn’t diminish this moment rather it amplifies it. Because sometimes, validation isn’t about a golden statue. Sometimes, it’s about your name being etched into the conversations that matter most.
So, here’s to Divya Prabha —a powerhouse, a storyteller, and a beacon of hope for dreamers everywhere. The world is watching, and she’s just getting started.
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.