By: Mohnish Singh
After months of speculations, Emraan Hashmi has confirmed that things are not well between his uncles and filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt.
Rumours about a split between the two filmmakers started floating around after Mukesh Bhatt rendered his resignation as Creative Consultant from Vishesh Films. The production house is known for delivering several musical hits over the years, including Aashiqui (1990), Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi (1991), Sadak (1991), Raaz (2001), and Aashiqui 2 (2013).
Hashmi, who did not only begin his career with Vishesh Films but also headlined several other films made under the banner, told an Indian publication, “I have many fond memories of Vishesh Films. I just wish we all come back together to do a film. I do not know what the subject will be, though. All good things come to an end. Equations change. Nothing is permanent. And I am saying this without knowing the details of what has played out between them.”
The actor went on to add, “As far as I am concerned, I still talk to both of them. Mukeshji wished me before Mumbai Saga (2021). I am in touch with Mahesh Bhatt.”
He further stated, “We are family. I spoke to Bhatt saab (Mahesh Bhatt) through the lockdown. He is not only just a filmmaker for me but a wise man who has given me guidance. Things were getting confused during the lockdown and I needed his inputs on it.”
Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi is waiting for the release of his much-awaited film Chehre. Written and directed by Rumy Jafry, the film also features Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. Hashmi is working with the legendary actor for the first time in his career and is quite excited to share the screen space with him.
Apart from Chehre, Hashmi will also be seen in the official remake of the successful Malayalam film Ezra (2017), to be produced by T-Series and Panorama Studios. The film also stars The Big Bull (2021) fame actress Nikita Dutta in the lead role.
Keep visiting this space over and again 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.