Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt in the titular role, is one of the most awaited films of 2020. The team was busy shooting for the period drama at Film City in Mumbai when India went into complete lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the makers had to stall the shoot halfway.
As Bollywood gears up to resume production in a couple of weeks from now, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has reportedly added a new actor to the cast of Gangubai Kathiawadi. Yes, you read that right!
After Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi, Bhansali has roped in his favourite Ranveer Singh for a special cameo in the film. Divulging more information, a source in the know tells a publication, “It is a very powerful cameo, and Ranveer cannot say no to Sanjay Leela Bhansali…ever! On top of that, the film has Alia Bhatt in the lead. Alia and Ranveer have shared a special rapport from the time they worked together in Gully Boy (2019). So Ranveer has absolutely no reason to decline the offer.”
Ranveer Singh, meanwhile, is awaiting the release of his hugely anticipated film ’83. The sports drama, which chronicles the Indian cricket team’s unprecedented win against West Indies in the 1983 World Cup tournament, was originally slated to arrive in theatres on 10th April, 2020. However, the makers had to defer its release until further notice due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Apart from ’83, Singh also plays the lead role in Yash Raj Films’ comic-caper Jayeshbhai Jordaar, directed by debutant filmmaker Divyang Thakur. Newcomer Shalini Pandey will be making her Bollywood debut with the film. Jayeshbhai Jordaar is set to release on 2nd October, 2020.
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.