Last seen in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is currently busy with her next film, titled Fanne Khan. Helmed by award-winning filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the movie also features talented actors Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao in key roles.
Fanne Khan, which is being made under the banner of KriArj Entertainment, is slated to release on Eid. However, if our reliable sources are to be believed, the makers may opt for another date to release their film because, on the same date, megastar Salman Khan is also arriving with his much-awaited film Race 3 which is, in every manner, a bigger movie than Fanne Khan.
Eid is synonymous with Salman Khan’s films. The superstar has been releasing his films on the auspicious day for several years now, with most of them doing phenomenal business at the cash counter. Fearing that his next Race 3 may completely overshadow their film at the box office, the makers of Fanne Khan are now planning to shift their movie to another date.
As the name suggests itself, Race 3 is the third installment of Tips’ superhit film franchise, Race. Earlier two parts of the series were helmed by the acclaimed director duo Abbas-Mustan. But the third installment is being made under the direction of Remo D’Souza.
Besides Salman Khan, Race 3 also features Jacqueline Fernandez, Daisy Shah, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Saqib Saleem. Interestingly, Anil Kapoor is part of both the films – Fanne Khan and Race 3.
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.