After delivering three successful seasons of her immensely popular show Naagin, content czarina Ekta Kapoor is now gearing up to roll out the next season of the supernatural revenge drama. In the past few weeks, several names have cropped up for the female lead of the show. However, the makers are yet to make any official announcement confirming the cast.
Meanwhile, the latest casting rumour suggests that popular television actress Aalisha Panwar has been approached to play an important character on the much-awaited show. Reportedly, before getting in touch with Panwar, the makers had approached Nia Sharma for the lead role. However, Sharma turned down the offer for reasons best known to her. Interestingly, she was also approached for Naagin 3 last year.
Confirming the development, a source in the know tells an entertainment portal that after Nia Sharma said no to the show, the makers approached Aalisha Panwar and also Puja Bose for the role. “Nia, who had been approached for Naagin 3 as well, has politely declined the offer. The makers have now approached Ishq Mein Marjawan actor Aalisha Panwar and Puja Bose for the role. The makers are planning to go on air with the show in early November. Talks are on for the male lead as well. Vivek Dahiya was reportedly approached for the show.”
It is yet not clear whether or not Aalisha has signed the project on the dotted line. But if she indeed comes onboard to play the lead role on Naagin 4, her fans’ joy would no bounds as they have been missing her ever since her last show went off air.
Aalisha Panwar made her television debut with the &TV show Begusarai in 2015. In 2016, she played an important character in Colors hit show Thapki Pyar Ki. However, it was Colors’ murder mystery show Ishq Mein Marjawan that made her a household name.
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.