Bollywood is known for churning out hundreds of films every year, belonging to different genres and set in a different milieu.
However, just as any other film producing industry across the world, Bollywood has also shifted its focus towards realistic cinema, especially after the advent and rapid proliferation of streaming media platforms in the country.
A lot more actors and filmmakers are willing to take bigger risks and make movies that talk about real issues than just following formulaic ideas and basing premises on done-to-death topics. Does that mean the days of escapist cinema numbered? Well, Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan does not believe so.
“People at the end of the day want entertainment. Entertainment does not mean slapstick comedy. Entertainment means for those 2-3 hours that you are watching a film, you are removed from your actual world, filled with problems, and transport it to a different world, when you view something, and you feel entertained. Whatever the genre of that be, as long as it is good, people will watch it, as simple as that,” he told a publication in a recent interview.
When asked if there is anything he watched on a streaming media platform that he really wished could have an experience of watching in theatre, he said, “So, that’s a difficult question to answer because as actors, you do not get the opportunity to go to the theatre as often as you want to and if you do, you go on the circumstances which do not really allow you to optimise the viewing experience of the theatre. ‘You know, you go quietly and before the lights come on, you sneak out. You do not get to sit down and just enjoy the film. So sadly, a lot of us end up seeing films in either a preview or at home. So, we are pretty used to seeing stuff on the television. That’s what I am saying and because we have been part of filmmaking for so long, you know what it could have possibly translated to on-screen. So, I am pretty used to it. So, I have never thought about it in that sense.”
Abhishek Bachchan can be currently seen in Bob Biswas which is streaming on ZEE5.
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.