India went into a complete Coronavirus-induced lockdown on March 24, and it has been more than six months since any Bollywood film released in theatres. While the government has allowed the reopening of several business establishments in a phased manner, there is no update on the resumption of theatres in the country.
Theatres owners have been urging the government to allow them to restart cinemas for quite some time now, but there has been no assurance of any kind. Over the past few weeks, several celebrities have also expressed their views on the reopening of theatres.
Aditi Rao Hydari, who has established herself as one of the leading actresses not only in Bollywood but the southern film industry as well, is also dying to have that big-screen experience in a theatre.
“A lot of the films are made for theatres and theatres cannot be compared to any other experience. It is a very special experience. It is very magical and immersive. You cannot compare,” she says.
The actress adds, “Some films can only be enjoyed in a theatre, like my latest V but having said that I am very happy considering that the audiences were waiting for the film, and also how we must safeguard our producers, etc, I am sure we made the right decision to go to an OTT. But theatre is always special to me.”
Over the past few months, several films meant for theatres had to release on various streaming media platforms, including Hydari’s Sufiyum Sujatayum (2020) and V. The actress says that the decision of releasing a film theatrically or digitally does not lies in an actor’s hand.
“I do not have knowledge as a marketer and I do not want also. I am an artist and I want to come on set, do my job to the best of my capabilities, and create great cinema. What happens after that on the field, in the market is not in my hands. That is something I do not like to think about,” she explains.
The actress, however, feels that streaming media platforms have indeed been of great help for the industry and audiences alike in times of the pandemic.
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.