Abhimanyu Dassani made his acting debut with Vasan Bala’s Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018). The film did not set the cash registers jingling at the box office, but the debutant received a positive response for his excellent performance. The actor is now busy promoting his second outing Meenakshi Sundareshwar.
Also starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role, Meenakshi Sundareshwar is a romantic comedy that begins where most romantic dramas end — at the wedding altar. Dassani says that such stories are relatable and “most people enjoy watching them”. “Since we go through similar situations at some point in our lives, they are relatable, real and entertaining. Rom-coms spread positivity and love,” he says.
Directed by Vivek Soni for Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, Meenakshi Sundareshwar tells the story of a newly-wedded south Indian couple who find themselves navigating a long-distance marriage. After the makers dropped the trailer online, a section of netizens called out the film for stereotyping Tamilians. Reacting to that, Dassani says, “Our intention behind this film is pure; we want to bring a relatable story to the audience. We don’t want to insult anyone at any point. (When people watch the film, they will realise it’s a sweet love story that could happen anywhere in the world, and they can relate to it regardless (of its setting).”
“The detailed writing helped us feel what the characters would go through. How people perceive emotions is subjective, but I hope our characters resonate deeply with the audience,” he concludes.
Meenakshi Sundareshwar is currently streaming on Netflix.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.