Ayushmann Khurrana is on a roll these days! After beginning 2019 with the success of the Anubhav Sinha-directed niche film Article 15, the actor has just delivered yet another massive hit in the form of Dream Girl. Besides the huge success of his movies at the box-office, the actor has also bagged his maiden National Film Award for his 2018 thriller Andhadhun.
While his recently released comic-caper Dream Girl is still busy raking in moolah at the cash counter, Ayushmann Khurrana has started shooting for his forthcoming film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which is a sequel to his 2017 hit Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. Directed by Hitesh Kewalya, the movie began its first schedule on 10th September.
While Shubh Mangal Saavdhan revolved around a man with the issue of erectile dysfunction, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan has the talented actor in the role of a homosexual man. Besides Khurrana, the gay comic-caper also stars internet sensation Jitendra Kumar who plays his love interest in the film.
The latest update on the much-awaited film is that the makers are set to go all out when it comes to depicting intimacy between two adults of the same gender. Yes, you guessed it right! Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar will have several intimate scenes in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.
“Unlike Onir’s brave My Brother Nikhil (2005) where no intimacy was shown between the gay partner Sanjay Suri and Purab Kohli, in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, there will be many intimate moments between Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar. This would be the first gay love story of Indian cinema where the central relationship would not accentuate the gender of the lovers,” a source close to the project informs.
Aside from Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which is slated to release on 13th March, Ayushmann Khurrana will also be seen in Bala and Gulabo Sitabo.
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.