Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Toofaan starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role is all set to release on Amazon Prime Video on 16th July 2021. The trailer of the movie was released a few days ago, and it has received a good response.
We recently interacted with Farhan and spoke to him about the movie, the preparation he did for the film, and more.
Farhan plays the role of a boxer in Toofaan, so, when we asked him how difficult it was for him to undergo the physical transformation, the actor said, “It was hard, it was very challenging. But, it was equally important to have the right people around to guide me through that whole process; motivate me, inspire me, challenge me and pamper me, all of that happened. So, I was fortunately on that level. But, it was difficult; it was eight months of grueling training meeting up with the shoot. When you are getting into a film like this, you know that’s going to be part and parcel of it, so, you have to make sure you do as honestly as possible.”
When asked if he met any real-life boxers to prepare for his role, Farhan said, “We have a couple of boxers in the film who have played opponents in the various matches. So, it was interesting to spend time with them because they have dedicated their lives to this sport. So to understand that what it is about boxing that excited them, what is it that they look forward to in their careers, how seriously they take their training, and how important that is; it’s something that serves you when you are performing and training.”
Farhan Akhtar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra have earlier worked together in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013). The movie, which was a biopic on late athlete Milkha Singh, was a super hit at the box office, and even won multiple awards.
When asked Farhan if during the shoot or right now he feels any pressure about Toofaan as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was such an amazing movie, the actor said, “The pressure is really not about wanting to better something. You call it pressure, but I would call it a responsibility to tell a powerful and good story and that’s eventually what’s important. The comparison of your work with another film or with something that you may have done in the past is not for you to make. You have to just stay focused on the film that you are doing now, and we wanted to tell the story as effectively as possible, and sincerely and honestly. That’s really what we were focused on.”
Toofaan also stars Paresh Rawal and Mrunal Thakur.
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.