By: Mohnish Singh
According to reports, Amitabh Bachchan and Sooraj Barjatya are set to begin production on their maiden project in February. The two creative geniuses are coming together for the first time and that is enough to skyrocket film enthusiasts’ expectations from the forthcoming venture.
“This is the first time that Amitabh Bachchan is teaming up with Sooraj Barjatya. When Soorajji came to narrate Mr. Bachchan the script, the latter was in for a surprise. Soorajji has a very entertaining and dramatic style of narrating the film. He even hums the song and background score to give the actor a complete feel of the film. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan naturally was floored by this technique. Also, he loved the script and was bowled over by its rootedness and simplicity. He has not done such a role and worked in such a family entertainer in more than a decade. Hence, he immediately came on board,” a source in the know tells an entertainment portal.
The source goes on to add that Senior Bachchan will commence work on Barjatya’s film right after completing his next Mayday with Ajay Devgn. “The actor is currently filming for Mayday. Once he finishes work on Ajay Devgn’s thriller, he will move on to Sooraj Barjatya’s next in February. It is expected to be a 60-day schedule. Only after completing this film will he move on to Vikas Bahl’s film, reportedly titled Deadly,” adds the source.
Reports were also doing the rounds lately that Sooraj Barjatya was set to collaborate with Salman Khan once again after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). But if sources are to be believed, the film with Khan will not take off before 2022. Barjatya will first wrap up his untitled project with Amitabh Bachchan and then move on to his next with Khan.
Keep visiting this space for more updates 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.