Angad Bedi, who was recently seen in the Shaad Ali-directed Soorma (2018), has bagged Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming web-series The Verdict – State Vs Nanavati, which will stream on ALTBalaji. Inspired from true events, the courtroom drama stars Bedi as successful lawyer Karl Khandalavala.
Talking about the series and his collaboration with ALTBalaji, Angad said, "After Inside Edge, I was keen to do a show only if it ups the ante in terms of uniqueness of storyline. I heard the concept of this show, it just blew my mind! Powerful and exceptional roles like these are what actor dreams are made off. You know, I have always believed that with Ekta one can expect the unexpected, and this is one of those. You would identify certain genres with her but with ALTBalaji she will break every stereotype that ever existed."
The actor further added, "The story at its core is so powerful, and who wouldn’t to take up the opportunity to play Karl Khandalavala, the experienced top running criminal lawyer. It’s an interesting role and I have already started preparing for it. I am so glad to have got this opportunity to work with Shashant Shah who is going to direct this show."
The series will be based on the infamous case of K.M. Nanavati Vs. State of Maharashtra, which still remains one of the most sensational criminal cases in India. This 10-episode courtroom drama will source its content from public records, newspaper articles of the time and interviews with people who have knowledge of the case.
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.