As the television industry switches back to action mode after a complete halt of all shooting activities due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the makers are planning to introduce several changes in the storyline of their shows to win back the audience’s attention.
Rashmi Sharma Telefilms’ Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi has been in news for the entry of Paridhi Sharma, who replaces Puja Banerjee on the show. The mythological series is once again making the headlines as a Bollywood actress is set to join the star cast, making her small screen debut.
We are talking about Esha Deol. Buzz has it that the actress will replace Toral Rasputra on Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi and will essay the role of Rani Samridhi Devi, the mother of Maa Vaishno Devi. Though the news of Esha coming on board the show has been doing the rounds, she is yet to make any official announcement.
For the unversed, Toral Rasputra had walked out of the show before the lockdown. Sharing the reason behind quitting the show despite being praised for her performance, she had said that she was not comfortable playing mother to a grown-up girl.
“Leaps, sudden changes in the storyline, and actors quitting are all part of the game because everything depends on ratings. I was aware that Maa Vaishno Devi, too, will go in for a leap, but I did not expect it to happen so suddenly. I have never played mother to an adult. Since the decision to introduce the leap was sudden, I had to shoot a few scenes with Puja, but I was sure that I wanted to quit. I felt that I would not be able to look convincing as her mother. It was an amicable decision and the makers understood my point,” she had said.
Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi airs on Star Bharat.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.