By: Mohnish Singh
According to reports, Alia Bhatt is in consideration to headline celebrated Hindi filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj’s next film franchise based on the works of British mystery writer Agatha Christie. The Raazi (2018) actress is racing ahead in the race to bag the plum project and if she manages to sign it on the dotted line, she will be seen playing the character of a young girl thrown into solving a murder.
A source in the know informs a publication, “It is almost certain that Alia Bhatt and Vishal Bhardwaj are collaborating. The director is keen to roll the film in January or February and Alia’s dates are being worked out accordingly. However, it is yet unclear when the film will really get off the ground considering the uncertainty due to the second phase of the lockdown. The project requires to be shot in frosty Himalayan towns and hence if they do not start the production in January in Uttarakhand (as planned), they will have to shoot the film in foreign later in the second half of 2021.”
The source goes on to add, “Vishal Bhardwaj has created a fictional world out of Agatha Christie novels. He has adapted her book very differently and has made it a story of a pair of young investigators looking to take over the world with their intelligence and charm. Bhardwaj is currently giving the final touches to his script and will soon visit Alia for the final narration.”
Last seen in her father Mahesh Bhatt’s directorial Sadak 2 (2020), Alia Bhatt is currently busy completing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s biographical drama Gangubai Kathiawadi and SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus RRR. Both high-profile films are expected to hit the marquee in the first half of 2021.
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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.