With all shooting activities coming to a grinding halt in the wake of the Coronavirus lockdown, showbiz is looking at a massive monetary loss in coming days.
Just a couple of days ago, we had reported that how a ₹7 crore set erected to shoot various football sequences for Ajay Devgn’s upcoming sports drama Maidaan could be dismantled if the lockdown continues till monsoon. And now, the news is coming in that a magnificent set built by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali at Film City for his next directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi would soon have to be dismantled.
“Bhansali and his leading lady Alia Bhatt were hoping (against hope) that the current coronavirus crisis would blow over after some time. But as weeks of a lockdown seem to be turning into months, the fear that Bollywood filmmakers won’t be able to shoot until 2021 is driving one of the world’s most active entertainment industries into a bundle of nerves,” a source informs an entertainment portal.
Another source says that the set of Gangubai Kathiawadi have to be demolished before the monsoon sets in. “Bhansali’s set is one of the biggest, most detailed and expensive set ever created for a film. He was hoping to return to it after the lockdown. But soon the monsoon will set in. Before that, the set would have to be taken down.”
According to reports, Bhansali had spent like a sailor on the construction of the set. It was built at a cost of approximately ₹6 crore. But looks like all the hard-work and money is now going down the drain due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
We hope things returns to normalcy soon.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.