Director Jaydeep Sarkar has helmed the segment Ishq Mastana in Netflix's anthology Feels Like Ishq. The anthology started streaming on the digital platform on 23rd July 2021. We recently interacted with Sarkar and spoke to him about Ishq Mastana.
In his segment, two people meet at a protest and fall in love with each other. When asked him how he got the idea and if it was inspired by a real-life incident, the filmmaker told us, “I really feel that any work that we create whether in a cinema or in literature, should reflect the times that we are living in and it has to be very relevant. So, when I had to talk about young love in 2020-2021, I cannot ignore the fact that this is generation is very different from the generations before that, especially my generation. I grew up in the 90s with liberalisation and cable TV. But, right from the Black Lives Matter to protests in India, you see that this is a generation who is willing to stand up for what they believe in, and correct the wrongs that they have probably inherit from the generations before them. So, I had to capture this generation; their political awareness and fearlessness is actually what defines them and inspires me personally.”
“Apart from that, you know I think falling in love in a crowd is always so much more romantic because there are so many other dynamics at play, and then two people fall in love. For example; one of the films that I really like is Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi. I also assisted Sudhir Mishra, so it’s a film I have watched over and over again. I like the idea of love blossoming in the middle of chaos. So, all of that was put together. I just hope that 20 years from now, in case someone decides to watch this film (Feels Like Ishq), they can tell what it was like to be young in 2020,” he added.
Sarkar has directed advertisements and short films, so, when we asked him if he plans to helm a feature film with song and dance in it, he stated, “I don’t know about the genre, and I don’t whether there will be singing and dancing. But yes, I am working on something and it’s too early to talk about it. I am working on a script, inshallah (god willing) very soon I will be able to share the news with you about that.”
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.