“She is not even half of what my real sister is.” This statement by Rahul Bhatt, half-brother of Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, has taken the internet by storm. His comparison between Alia and Pooja Bhatt, both his half-sisters, has not only caused a stir in the entertainment world but has also raised a deeper question — why do sibling comparisons feel so uncomfortable?
Rahul Bhatt is the son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and Kiran Bhatt (formerly Lorraine Bright). Alia Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt are also Mahesh Bhatt’s daughters but from different mothers. Rahul has often stayed away from the limelight and is known more for his controversial statements than for any professional achievements in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Rahul has expressed feeling neglected by his father and distant from his half-siblings, especially Alia, who is currently one of the biggest stars in Bollywood.
In a recent interview, Rahul made a strong statement: “She (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister is.” This was in reference to comparing Pooja Bhatt, whom he considers his “real” sister, with Alia Bhatt. Rahul praised Pooja for being more emotionally connected, loyal, and supportive toward him than Alia has ever been. He emphasized that he shares a stronger emotional bond with Pooja and feels that Alia has remained distant throughout their lives.
Netizens React Strongly Rahul’s comment immediately went viral on social media. Netizens were quick to react, and opinions were divided. Many criticized Rahul for bringing private family matters into the public domain. Some felt sympathy for him, assuming that his statements reflect years of emotional neglect. The backlash highlights how sensitive the audience is when it comes to celebrities’ personal lives, especially when it involves family disputes and emotional drama.
Sibling Comparison: A Deep Emotional Wound Rahul’s comment reflects something deeper — the pain of being compared to someone else in your own family. Psychologists agree that sibling comparison often leads to low self-esteem, feelings of rejection, emotional distance, and long-term rivalry. When a child constantly feels overshadowed or compared negatively to their sibling, it creates emotional wounds that can last a lifetime. In Rahul’s case, being in the shadow of a superstar sister like Alia may have only intensified those feelings.
Family Ties in the Bhatt Household The Bhatt family has always had a complex structure. Mahesh Bhatt had children from two different marriages. While Pooja and Rahul share the same mother, Alia and Shaheen are from Mahesh Bhatt’s second marriage to actress Soni Razdan. Alia has often spoken positively about her family, including her bond with Pooja. But Rahul has remained distant, and his past interviews suggest unresolved emotional issues within the family. He has publicly accused his father of neglect and expressed disappointment with his siblings.
Sibling comparison is common in many households across the world. Parents or relatives often compare siblings based on academic achievements, career success, appearance, and popularity. In the case of the Bhatt family, Alia is a global celebrity, winner of a National Film Award, and married to actor Ranbir Kapoor. Pooja Bhatt had her own successful career in the 90s. Rahul, however, never became part of mainstream Bollywood. The pressure of being compared to successful siblings may have added to Rahul’s emotional stress.
Impact on Mental Health Mental health experts warn that constant sibling comparison can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. It may also result in feelings of inadequacy and resentment. Rahul’s remarks seem to come from a place of emotional pain. His need to compare Pooja and Alia publicly may reflect long-standing feelings of exclusion and hurt. Such public expressions often hint at unresolved trauma that needs attention and healing.
Despite the comments made by Rahul, Alia Bhatt has never publicly spoken against her siblings. She has often praised Pooja Bhatt and occasionally referred to Rahul in family contexts. However, it is evident that she shares a stronger bond with her full sister Shaheen Bhatt. Whether Alia deliberately distanced herself from Rahul or simply never had a chance to build a relationship with him is something only they know. Publicly blaming her, without knowing the full story, may not be fair.
Many people believe that sensitive family issues should be resolved privately. Making emotional statements in public only adds fuel to the fire and can cause further damage to relationships. In the age of social media, every public statement gets magnified and dissected. This creates added pressure on celebrities and their families, leaving little room for private healing.
Rahul Bhatt’s controversial comment serves as a reminder of the emotional harm that sibling comparisons can cause. It shows the importance of emotional validation, communication, and mental health support within families. Instead of taking sides or assigning blame, the focus should be on understanding the emotional complexity involved. Families, famous or not, need space to grow, heal, and understand each other without the constant pressure of public judgment.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has responded to Rahul’s comments. Whether they choose to address it publicly or handle it privately remains to be seen. Fans hope that the Bhatt family can find peace and work toward mending broken ties. Emotional healing takes time and effort, and it is never too late to rebuild relationships.
