By: Mohnish Singh
Fatima Sana Shaikh, who shot to overnight fame with Aamir Khan’s blockbuster biographical sports-drama Dangal (2016), is thrilled about her forthcoming film Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. The trailer, which released on YouTube a couple of days ago, has amassed a mixed response from the audience.
Revealing what led her to sign Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, Sheikh says that she said yes to the film because she wanted to work with actors Manoj Bajpayee and Diljit Dosanjh and director Abhishek Sharma.
“When I heard the script, I was blown up by the cast. I signed the film as I wanted to work with Manoj sir, Diljit, and director Abhishek Sharma. Working with the talented Manoj sir was quite enriching. I was quite nervous about performing in front of him but he made me quite comfortable. Doing a situational comedy was a first for me, so while acting, I learned my strengths and weaknesses,” says the actress.
Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is set to be one of the first few films to hit screens after cinemas shuttered in March in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. With the cases of Covid-19 still on the rise, the films opting for a theatrical release might not attract the same amount of audience as they did before the pandemic hit everyone hard. The actress, however, seems perturbed by it.
“I try not to think about these things. I am focusing on the fact that two of my films will release soon. Pandemic and Corona are the new normal and we have to live with it. Who knew we would be stuck at home for a year in 2020? Since the pandemic, my approach to life has changed. I have become more positive. So, I hope for the best, and like every day, we are surviving the pandemic, so we will the smaller things like these (box-office),” she adds.
Produced by Shariq Patel and Subhash Chandra, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is slated to enter theatres on 13th November, coinciding with the festival of Diwali.
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.