If reports are to be believed, Balaji Telefilms is gearing up to resume production on three of their most popular television shows – Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kumkum Bhagya and Naagin 4 – in a couple of days, after all shooting activities came to a grinding halt in March due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
If we talk about Kasautii Zindagii Kay in particular, buzz has it that the show is in for a casting overhaul. Actor Karan Singh Grover, who plays the character of Mr Bajaj on the show, will not be returning to reprise his character after the makers roll the camera post-lockdown with strict COVID-19 protocols in place as mandated by the state government.
Reportedly, Grover has quit the show and the makers have approached well-known television actor Gaurav Chopra to replace him. Yes, you read that right! Chopra is currently in talks with the makers and he is expected to sign the show on the dotted line soon.
According to reports, Grover expressed his desire to leave Kasautii Zindagii Kay and thus the role has been offered to Chopra. Chopra was last seen on Star Plus’ medical drama series Sanjivani. Talking to an online publication, Chopra said, “I cannot comment right now as things are still under discussion. Let things come from Balaji Telefilms. Then, me giving out a statement will make sense.”
Kasautii Zindagi Kay, which features Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthan as the lead pair, is one of the top-rated shows on Indian television. It is a reboot of the 2001 series of the same name, which also was produced by Ekta Kapoor under her production house, Balaji Telefilms, for Star Plus.
Keep visiting this space for more updates from the world of Indian television.
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.