By: Mohnish Singh
Directed by Shakun Batra, Dharma Productions’ next with Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday, and Siddhanth Chaturvedi has been creating great buzz ever since its official announcement. Apart from the fact that Batra is directing and Karan Johar is producing, what makes the upcoming project hugely anticipated is its terrific casting.
But do you know that actor Ishaan Khatter was also in the running for an important role in the film? Yes, you read that right! Initially, the makers wanted to put together a young cast because it is a very interesting but not-so-commercial film. Khatter was in consideration for a role opposite Ananya Panday. However, things did not work out with him and the role finally went to DCA Talent Dhairya Karwa.
“It’s when Deepika was roped in opposite Siddhant that everything changed. Karan and Ishaan have never shared a warm relationship after a few deals did not work out. Also, the story is such that Dhairya’s character gets intimate with Deepika’s character in the film. It’s a complicated tale about extra-marital relationships and Ishaan would have looked very odd opposite Deepika. He would have looked too young and hence Shakun decided to go with Dhairya instead. The whole extramarital issue has been treated with a lot of sensitivity, a la typical Shakun style and it's an emotional watch,” a source in the know tells an entertainment portal.
According to reports, Deepika Padukone plays a fitness instructor in the yet-to-be-titled film. There had been some rumours doing the rounds lately that her character is modelled on a celebrity fitness instructor. The team at Dharma Productions and the writers of the film have, however, completely denied the rumours.
The film is expected to arrive in theatres next year in 2022.
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.