Known for helming such successful gangster films as Kaante (2002), Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) and Shootout at Wadala (2013), filmmaker Sanjay Gupta is gearing up to call the shots for yet another gangster film. The director has just announced his next project, saying he wanted to make it since 2013.
Sanjay is yet to announce the title of his next gangster movie. What we know so far is that the yet-to-be-titled project is inspired by the history of Mumbai. It will be a fictionalized account based on real-life events. The city of Mumbai never ceases to inspire Gupta and his next is also coming from the underbelly of the maximum city.
Spilling some more beans on the upcoming project, Sanjay Gupta told an Indian daily, “It is a space that has always intrigued me. The story of this city that we live in has its roots in several key events like the mills shutting down and the first ever murder of an industrialist, which became one of the key factors that changed Bombay into Mumbai. I have always enjoyed documenting the history of this city’s underbelly. It has taken me a while to research the subject and put everything in place.
The hit filmmaker goes on to add that the casting of his next film is yet to be locked, but his team is looking at rolling the cameras sometime in July or August. “We are yet to complete the casting, but we are going on floors in July-August this year,” he signs off.
Sanjay Gupta last helmed Kaabil (2017). Starring superstar Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam in principal roles, the movie was an instant hit at the box-office. Gupta is returning to the director’s chair after a gap of two and a half year. We wish him loads of luck for his next venture.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 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.