Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya, who last helmed Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), has commenced work on his next directorial venture Uunchai. Known for making high-profile family entertainers, the filmmaker has based his next on friendship. He has pulled off a casting coup of sorts by signing Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, and Sarika in principal roles.
As Uunchai hits the shooting floor in Nepal, some interesting details have emerged related to the film. A source in the know informs that Parineeti Chopra, who is working with Rajshri Productions for the first time in her career, will play the role of a Nepali tourist guide in the film.
“Parineeti will be helping and accompanying the quartet of Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa on their adventurous trip. Her role is very well fleshed out and it will be interesting to see her in a different light in this film,” says the source.
Suraj Acharya, who is handling the shoot in Nepal, spoke to a regional daily and confirmed that Chopra is indeed playing the character of a tourist guide in the film. He also informed that Uunchai started rolling on October 4 in Kathmandu and that the first schedule will last for a month. This would be followed by a schedule at Namche, located at 13,000 feet above sea level.
In addition to Uunchai, Parineeti Chopra will also be seen in T-Series Films’ Animal opposite Ranbir Kapoor. The psychological gangster drama also features Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in important roles. To be directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal is set to get off the ground in April or May in 2022. The makers are planning to release it on Eid 2023.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.