The digital wave has bitten some of the most celebrated names in Bollywood in recent times.
A medium to do long-format content with unusual storylines, streaming space has given many actors an opportunity to dig into never-before-seen roles. 2022 will see some of the most renowned faces of Hindi cinema mark their digital debut. We are excited to see what these stars have in store for us.
Madhuri Dixit Nene
First on the list is our very own Dhak-Dhak girl, Madhuri Dixit. There are only a few actresses who have reached the peak of stardom like her. Finding Anamika will mark her entry into the digital space. The first look of the series was released at the Tudum, a global fan event of NETFLIX. Produced by Karan Johar, Finding Anamika is a thriller that is gearing up to give its audience a nail-biting experience.
Aparshakti Khurana
Second on the list is multi-talented Aparshakti Khurana who, after having a successful 2021, is now set to mark his digital debut with Stardust in 2022. Vikramaditya Motwane's web series is a fictitious representation of the Indian film industry from 1947 to 1989 and explores the clash between two superstars. It is an unusual storyline and Khurana’s fans are excited to know what the actor has in store for them with this one.
Ajay Devgan
Superstar Ajay Devgan, who has created some of the most memorable franchises in Bollywood, be it Golmaal or Singham, is gearing up to set the streaming space on fire as he marks his entry with the release of Rudra-The Edge of Darkness on Disney Hotstar. Playing a cop in the series, he is accompanied by Esha Deol who plays an important role in the series. The audience may have seen Ajay donning the role of a cop many times over but with Rudra, he is set to surprise his fans and well-wishers with an unusually dark and gritty role.
Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha will also mark her entry into the world of the web through the release of her first streaming series on Amazon Prime, Fallen. Known as the mass queen of Bollywood, Sonakshi has always been known to choose roles that strike the chord of the masses. The actor recently took to her Instagram where she shared a heartfelt note of thank you to her director, Reema Kagti, and producer, Zoya Akhtar for giving her the memorable role of Anjali Bhaati in the series. We wish the actor a super-duper maiden opening.
Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor is one actor who does things quietly and suddenly arrives with a bang. Touted as one of the most talented and bankable actors in today's times, 2022 will see Shahid mark his debut in the digital space. The untitled project is being directed by the duo, Raj and DK, who have given India two super successful seasons of The Family Man. We will just have to watch this space for more to know what Shahid is gearing up for.
Aditya Roy Kapur
Millennial crush Aditya Roy Kapur will next be seen in the Hindi remake of the Golden Globe-winning show, The Night Manager. If sources are to be believed Aditya will portray the role of Tom Hiddleston in the series. It will be interesting to see how the makers will adapt and Indianize the show to suit our taste buds. We wish the cast and crew all the very best.
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.