Emraan Hashmi has been a part of many horror films like Raaz - The Mystery Continues, Raaz 3, Ek Thi Daayan, and Raaz: Reboot. His next film Dybbuk, which will premiere on Amazon Prime Video, is also a horror movie.
Recently, a grand trailer launch event of Dybbuk was organised in Mumbai, India which was attended by Hashmi, Nikita Dutta, Kumar Mangat (producer), and Jay K (director).
At the event, when Hashmi was asked if he believes in ghosts, the actor said, “After being a part of so many horror films, I have started seeing things now. So, I think I have become a believer and Jay has also made me a believer. Also, if I didn’t believe in ghosts, I wouldn’t be a part of such films. I would say I believe 50-50, I am not saying that ghosts don’t exist. There’s an age-old saying that it doesn’t mean that you have not seen it, so it doesn’t exist. I hope they exist for the sake of my films. I am little sceptical about it, but I want to be a believer. But, till the time we find out if the ghosts exist, we will enjoy films like Dybbuk.”
When asked if any incident happened with him where he felt that ghosts exists, Hashmi said, “Yes, it has happened with me. I have actually heard a ghost. When I was very young, my mother was a practicing Christian and she took me to a Church for a sermon, and for some reason, the sermon didn’t happen that day. We were told that there’s an exorcism being performed inside. The head priest of the Church was performing an exorcism. I think I was seven or eight years old at that time and I still remember the voice. I cannot say that if it was a man or a woman, but it was a very scary voice. It was a person in pain. Logically or scientifically, you can call it a joke, or probably it’s a drained mind. But, exorcism happens and that incident has left a deep imprint on me since that age.”
“I haven’t seen a ghost in real life, but I would like to see it. I am a major horror film freak and I have also gone for a ghost hunting trip. So, that was very interesting, from 12 am to 4 am, but I couldn’t see anything there, unfortunately. It was in South Goa, there’s a dilapidated hotel, some 30-40 years old hotel. So, there was a promotional integration. We were the contestants, so were given a bag pack, there were two cameras, one was shooting the first person and another was shooting our reactions. We were all given whistles. The crew was 1 km away, so if anyone feels scared you should blow the whistle. And I was stuck as I am a hero, so I cannot show that I am scared. But, it was the scariest experience of my life; that four hours of my life were quite hell. But, I didn’t see anything. I saw something, but it wasn’t a ghost,” he added.
Dybbuk is a remake of the Malayalam film Ezra which was also helmed by Jay K. It will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on 29th October 2021.
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.