Every year, India celebrates Teacher’s Day on September 5. It’s a day dedicated to teachers and the role they play in shaping their students’ lives. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of scholar and Bharat Ratna recipient Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888. He was the first Vice President of the independent India (1952–1962). He was also the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.
The bond that every student shares with their mentors is always special, as our teachers are the ones who show us the right direction. And when it comes to showcasing the student-teacher bond, Bollywood is no less. Over the years, several filmmakers have made films that beautifully showcased this bond. Take a look.
1. Super 30
In Super 30 Hrithik Roshan played the role of Anand Kumar, a mathematician who mentors underprivileged students to help them crack the prestigious IIT entrance exams. Helmed by Vikas Bahl the film also starred Mrunal Thakur and Pankaj Tripathi and received positive responses from the audience.
2. Taare Zameen Par
Talking about the student-teacher bond, how can we miss Aamir Khan’s directorial film Taare Zameena Par? It is the story of a dyslexic child and his art teacher who helps him overcome his learning difficulties. Released in the year 2007 the film received massive responses from the audience.
3. Hichki
Starring actor Rani Mukerji in the lead roles, Hichki explores her efforts to connect with her students and help them overcome their own challenges. Rani portrayed the role of a teacher with Tourette syndrome who takes on the challenge of teaching a class of underprivileged students.
4. Black
Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film starred Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead roles and received positive reviews from the critics as well as the audience. The film is about the relationship between a blind and deaf girl and her teacher, who helps her break the barriers of her disabilities.
5. Iqbal
Iqbal is a heartwarming film that revolves around a deaf and mute aspiring cricketer and his mentor. The teacher role is played by Naseeruddin Shah, who guides him in pursuing his dreams of playing for the Indian cricket team.
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.