Filmmaker Deepa Mehta, who is presently in the news for her multiple award-winning documentary film I Am Sirat, is set to begin work on her next project.
The renowned filmmaker has teamed up with actress Freida Pinto for her next, which is the film adaptation of author Avni Doshi’s novel Brunt Sugar.
Confirming the same, Mehta said, “I am currently working on a feature film based on Avni Doshi’s novel Brunt Sugar which is set in Pune. I am thrilled to be working with Freida Pinto, who is attached to star and produce.”
Pinto will reportedly play the role of Antara in the film which revolves around the relationship between a mother and her daughter.
The team will commence filming next year in Pune in a start-to-finish schedule, as per reports.
In 2016, Pinto and Mehta were invited by the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to be its members.
Meanwhile, Mehta is riding high on the success of I Am Sirat which has won several awards and accolades from all around the world.
The excited filmmaker said, “After our World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, we had screenings at the Vancouver International Film Festival. These were followed by our International Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in competition.”
She further added that the team was honoured that the film had its Asian Premiere at Dharmshala International Film Festival.
I Am Sirat will be released in March on CBC and CBC Gem.
Stay tuned to this space for more updates and reveals from the 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.