Last seen in The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022), leading Pakistani actor Fawad Khan is set to return to the silver screen with his much-awaited action-comedy Money Back Guarantee.
The actor is leaving no stone unturned in promoting the film ahead of its theatrical release on Eid. In a promotional interview, Khan shared his thoughts on the future of the Pakistani film Industry.
When asked if Pakistani cinema will ever be up to par with the global standard, Khan said, "I understand there are good intentions behind this question, as we all have hopes for the [film] industry to grow, to have more employment opportunities and an increase in revenue. However, it's still better if we do not compare ourselves with the world right now since our opportunities are very limited."
He further added, "You cannot compare a film that has a budget of 15 to 20 crores here with a film with a $500 or 400 million budget. Even if we talk about our neighbouring country [India], they have budgets of 300 crores, 400 crores, or 500 crores."
“The point is that when the market gives you a return, then you invest. So I think the cycle has right now started. When this wheel will rotate, returns will increase and investment in films will increase, the industry on its own will expand,” he added.
Talking further he said, “People’s desire to watch films will grow that ‘Oh, we want to watch it now this film is bigger than the last which was bigger than the one before it’. Right now, to make the comparison is unfair.”
Aside from Khan, Money Back Guarantee also features Kiran Malik, Mani, Gohar Rasheed, and Jan Rambo in important roles. Former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram is also set to make his acting debut with the forthcoming film.
It releases on April 21, 2023.
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.