Popular television actor Ashish Sharma and his wife Archana Taide Sharma are set to begin a new professional inning. The two have confirmed that they are turning producers for a forthcoming television series. Titled Paro – Ek Nayi Subah, the show will be telecast on DD Kisan, a 24-hour television channel owned by Doordarshan.
The couple has previously produced a film called Khejdi (2019). Apart from bankrolling the project under his production house Desi Fillum Compani, Ashish Sharma also played the lead character of a transgender in it. The actor won raves for his hard-hitting performance in the movie.
Announcing his maiden television production, Sharma wrote on Instagram, “Telling powerful stories is what we always intend, trying yet another story of women empowerment, inspired by true events and an existing evil practice of bride trafficking. Creating and producing Paro – Ek Nayi Subah under our second banner Desi Fillum Compani.”
Archana wrote, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce that today begins journey of our new television show Paro – Ek Nayi Subah. Produced by Archana T Sharma, Ashish Sharma, Lalit Mohan & Lal Vijay Shahdeo under Desi Fillum Compani Pvt Ltd banner.”
She further added, “Our show Paro- Ek Nayi Subah focuses on the nasty reality of Bride Trafficking where our female protagonist refuses to become a paid wife of an unknown man and refuses to accept such mal-practices. Through our show, we do even promote the thought of “BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO”. How an educated woman makes a difference in the society and uplifts the whole society along with her.”
While there is no update on the cast of the upcoming show, Paro – Ek Nayi Subah is scheduled to air on DD Kisan from April 2020.
Keep visiting this space for more updates from the world of Indian television.
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.