Starring Irrfan Khan, Radhika Madan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepak Dobriyal in important roles, Angrezi Medium is one of the most awaited films of 2020. There is a long list of reasons that make the movie hugely anticipated. First, it is a sequel to the superhit satirical drama Hindi Medium (2017). Secondly, it marks the comeback of National Award-winning actor Irrfan Khan who returns to grace the silver screen after winning his battle against cancer.
While Irrfan Khan and Deepak Dobriyal were also seen in the first part, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Radhika Madan are the newest entrants in the franchise. Director Homi Adajania, who is working with Kareena Kapoor Khan for the first time, says that she is a brilliant actress and it was a dream to work with her on Angrezi Medium.
“Kareena usually does a different kind of cinema, but the brilliant and intuitive actress that she is, she effortlessly blended into this space,” said the filmmaker.
Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia is also playing an important character in the film. On the casting of Kareena and Dimple, Adajania said, “We got exactly the casting we wanted. Dimple is organic, fun and always uninhibited. She says it as it is. Kareena, too, was a dream to work with, confident to face the camera without make-up as she plays an undercover cop who is often in stressful situations. The narrative takes a turn with Kareena’s entry. She is the threat,” said the filmmaker who last helmed Cocktail (2012).
Angrezi Medium has been jointly produced by Maddock Films and London Calling Production. To be distributed by Jio Studios and Pen India Limited, the movie is scheduled for its theatrical bow on 13th March 2020.
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.