By: Mohnish Singh
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has delivered hundreds of hits and superhits in his storied acting career. The popularity of his films amongst all age groups can be gauged by the fact that some of his blockbusters have been remade by new-age filmmakers, including Sholay (1975) and Don (1978).
If fresh reports are to be believed, yet another film from his electric repertoire is set for a modern adaptation. Yes, you read it right! The remake of superhit film Namak Halaal (1982), wherein Big B starred alongside Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, and Smita Patil, is currently in the works.
The remake rights of the Prakash Mehra directorial, whose music and dialogues are popular even today, have been acquired by filmmaker Murad Khetani, who will bankroll it under his production house, Cine1 Studios.
Confirming the development, Khetani tells a publication, “Yes, I have bought the rights to remake Amitabh Bachchan-Shashi Kapoor-Smita Patil-Parveen Babi starrer Namak Halaal. It is a film that has been loved across generations and by people of all ages. We are working on the script at this point. We have not approached any actor or director for the film as of now. We will work on the casting once we lock the script completely.”
Namak Halaal was the biggest blockbuster of 1982, which went on to become the highest-grossing film of that year. It will be really interesting to see the cast of the forthcoming remake. Do you have any suggestions who all should step into the shoes of Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, and Smita Patil?
Meanwhile, Murad Khetani is busy with his upcoming production titles, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and an untitled film with Sidharth Malhotra. While Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is a sequel to superhit horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), his film with Sidharth Malhotra is an official remake of hit Tamil film Thadam (2019).
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.