Aamir Khan isn’t rushing his next big move. After a quiet spell post Laal Singh Chaddha, the actor has finally shared a concrete update on what’s long been rumoured: his ambitious attempt to adapt the Indian epic Mahabharat for the screen.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Aamir confirmed he’s ready to begin early work on the project this year though fans shouldn’t expect a quick rollout. “The writing alone will take years,” he admitted, hinting at the scale and complexity of the plan. What he envisions isn’t a single film, but a sprawling multi-part series, inspired by the structure of The Lord of the Rings.
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Rather than centring himself as its hero, Aamir is stepping into the producer’s seat first. Whether or not he’ll act in it remains undecided. Casting, he says, will be entirely dependent on what each role demands. “It’s not about who I want, it's about who fits” he explained.
As for directing? He’s not holding on to that either. “Telling the Mahabharat in one film is impossible. It needs to be done in parts, probably with multiple filmmakers,” he said, acknowledging the need for varied perspectives to do justice to the epic’s depth.
This isn't a sudden decision. Aamir has been circling this dream for years. Back in 2018, reports claimed he exited the Rakesh Sharma biopic to focus on Mahabharat, then rumoured to cost over £95 million (₹1000 crore). But by 2022, he was still unsure. Speaking then, Aamir explained that making the film was not just a cinematic task, but a deeply personal and spiritual commitment.
The Bollywood icon calls his long-gestating Mahabharat project a spiritual journey, not just a cinematic oneGetty Images
For now, he’s keeping things grounded. He knows the expectations. He knows the pressure. And he’s in no mood to cut corners. “This isn’t just another project,” he said, “It’s one of my biggest dreams.”
In the meantime, Aamir will return to screens with Sitaare Zameen Par, a thematic follow-up to his 2007 hit Taare Zameen Par. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film stars Genelia Deshmukh and reunites him with Darsheel Safary. It’s due to release in June 2025.
So while Mahabharat is still years away, Aamir Khan is finally setting the wheels in motion slowly, thoughtfully, and on his own terms.
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.