Alia Bhatt, who was most recently seen in Sadak 2 (2020) which premiered on Disney+ Hotstar, might sign a new film with Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. According to reports, the talented actress has been approached by the premier production house to topline their upcoming dark-comedy, tentatively titled Darlings.
If Bhatt signs the project on the dotted line, it will mark her second collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment after the critically and commercially successful film, Dear Zindagi (2016). While we saw Shah Rukh Khan essaying a pivotal part in Dear Zindagi, the superstar will be attached to the upcoming project in the capacity of a producer only.
It is reported that versatile actor Vijay Varma, who played an important role in the Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer Gully Boy (2019), has been roped in to play Bhatt’s husband in the upcoming film. The casting for the character of the mother is still underway.
Though nothing much is known about the project at the moment, we hear that it revolves around a South Mumbai mother-daughter duo who kidnaps the abusive husband. However, he goes missing, which unfolds the next part of the story. Jasmeet K Reen will make her directorial debut with the forthcoming film. More details are expected to arrive soon.
Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt is looking forward to resuming shoot to finish the remaining portion of her much-awaited film Gangubai Kathiawadi. The big-ticket project marks her maiden collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The actress plays a brothel madam in the period drama.
Apart from Gangubai Kathiawadi, Alia also has Dharma Productions’ Brahmastra in her pocket, where she has been paired opposite her rumoured boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. She also appears in an important cameo in award-winning filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli’s next magnum opus RRR.
Keep visiting this space for more updates.
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.