In a recent interview with veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, Bollywood star Govinda revealed that he was once offered a role in James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster Avatar. According to Govinda, the Hollywood director offered him a whopping £1.7 M (Rs 18 crore) for the lead role, which eventually went to Sam Worthington. The actor also claimed that he was the one who suggested the film’s title to Cameron.
Govinda shared that the opportunity arose after a chance meeting with a Sikh businessman in the US. “I had given him a business idea that worked well for him. Years later, he introduced me to James Cameron,” he recalled. The two discussed the project over dinner, where Govinda proposed the title Avatar. However, he turned down the role after learning that the character was physically disabled. “James told me the hero was handicapped. I said, ‘I’m not doing this film,’” Govinda explained. He also expressed concerns about the physical demands of the role, including body paint which he felt would take a toll on his health.
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Cameron reportedly asked for a commitment of 410 shooting days. Although Govinda wasn’t fazed by the long schedule, he was unwilling to compromise his health. “Our body is all we’ve got. Sometimes you have to say no, even if it costs you,” he explained. The actor also spoke about how rejecting roles often strains relationships. “You end up apologising for years because people have egos,” he added.
Avatar, starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, went on to become one of the highest-grossing films in cinema history. It eventually spawned sequels, with Avatar: The Way of Water releasing in 2022.
Govinda, once one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, is known for blockbusters like Coolie No. 1 and Hero No. 1. Despite his career ups and downs, he’s gearing up for new releases this year, making a return to the big screen after a long break.
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.