By: Mohnish Singh
Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor in lead roles, T-Series Films and Guy in the Sky Pictures’ upcoming film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui has booked a date for its theatrical release.
The romantic drama, which commenced principal photography on October 21, 2020, in Chandigarh, will debut in cinemas on July 9, 2021. It has been directed by Abhishek Kapoor who last helmed Kedarnath (2018), starring late actor Sushant Singh Rajput and debutante Sara Ali Khan.
For the uninitiated, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was one of the first mainstream films to go on floors right after the Indian government announced some relief in the Coronavirus-induced lockdown restrictions.
The team wrapped up the entire film in a 48-day shoot schedule, taking utmost safety precautions and following all protocols laid down by the government in the wake of the pandemic.
On completing the shoot in December last year, Ayushmann Khurrana had taken to Twitter to pen down an endearing note for the team. Sharing a few pictures with his co-star Vaani Kapoor and director Abhishek Kapoor, he wrote, “Today, I feel immensely proud that our film is the first one in India to finish shooting an entire film while battling the Coronavirus. I have to credit my director and producer Abhishek Kapoor and Pragya Kapoor for manning the resources so diligently and so effectively. It feels amazing that we managed this feat in my hometown Chandigarh – could not be prouder!!! Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is a very special film for me and I cannot wait to share it with the world in cinemas next year.”
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is scheduled for its theatrical bow on July 9, 2021. Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the glitzy world of entertainment.
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.