Headlined by Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2017. Powered by excellent performances, competent direction and, most importantly, a great storyline, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan arrested everybody’s attention and how! Even at award functions, the movie was welcomed with open arms and got several nominations in various categories.
After two years of its theatrical release, the Anand L Rai-produced movie is gearing up to get a sequel, which was announced a couple of weeks ago. Titled Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan, the sequel will see Ayushmann Khurrana returning to the franchise, but in a completely different role.
While Shubh Mangal Saavdhan had him dealing with the issue of erectile dysfunction, Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan will see the immensely talented actor coming to terms with his sexuality and much more. Yes, Khurrana is playing a gay man in the movie.
The latest update on the much-awaited sequel is that the makers have just finalized the actor who will play Khurrana’s love interest in the film. Reportedly, Kota Factory fame actor Jitendra Kumar has been cast to play the parallel lead opposite Ayushmann Khurrana.
“The character is of a small town boy and the makers wanted to take an actor who can pull off the character with ease. The makers wanted a relatively fresh face and after doing the rounds of auditions, Jitendra fitted all the bills. Although he has not signed on the dotted line yet, he is the one,” a source close to the development reveals.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan is a Hitesh Kewalya directorial. The film is set to buzz into theatres on 14 February 2020.
Meanwhile, Ayushmann Khurrana is presently busy promoting his upcoming film Article 15. Directed by well-known filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, the movie is scheduled to hit the marquee on 29th June.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.