By: Mohnish Singh
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, and Paresh Rawal in lead roles, Aankhen was one of the most successful films of 2002. It has been close to two decades since the heist thriller hit the silver screen but it continues to attract huge viewership on television premieres even today.
Now, filmmaker Abhinay Deo is set to helm its sequel, titled Aankhen 2. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who received unanimous praise for his negative portrayal as obsessive, temperamental, and schizophrenic bank manager Vijay Singh Rajput, is set to reprise his role in the sequel. Joining him on the cast will be Sidharth Malhotra, Akshaye Khanna, and Sunil Grover.
Not much else is known about the forthcoming project at the moment, but some sources reveal that Amitabh Bachchan’s character Vijay Singh Rajput will return from his jail term with a grander heist planned and will lead a new team of blind men – Akshaye Khanna, Sidharth Malhotra, and Sunil Grover – to rob a gaming establishment.
The team is looking at beginning production in May. From what we hear, the makers have already finalised UK and Bulgaria as shoot locations. If things go well, the team will kick-start the first schedule on May 20.
A trade source told an Indian publication, “The heist in Aankhen 2 is being planned on a grander scale. The temperamental Vijay Singh Rajput returns after serving his prison sentence and leads a new team of visually-impaired people, played by Sidharth, Akshaye, and Sunil, as they rob a gaming establishment. Considering the story is set abroad, the unit has done recce in the UK and Bulgaria. If all goes well, the three actors will kick-off the first schedule from May 20 with Bachchan joining them later.”
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.