There have been a lot of rumours and speculations about Hrithik Roshan’s forthcoming projects after the humongous success of Super 30 and War last year. Though the superstar has been flooded with offers from several renowned filmmakers, he is yet to sign his next on the dotted line.
If fresh reports are to be believed, Hrithik Roshan might join hands with filmmaker Om Raut for his next outing. Raut shot to overnight fame after the earth-shattering success of his last directorial Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), starring Ajay Devgn, Kajol and Saif Ali Khan in principal roles.
Earlier, rumours were rife that Junior Roshan was set to join forces with Farah Khan to headline her remake of the cult film Satte Pe Satta (1982). However, the superstar had later denied all rumours. His name has also been linked to the remake of The Burning Train (1980), but there has been no official word confirming his association with the project.
“He is in talks with multiple producers and directors discussing several films and is working towards forming a formidable line-up. He is exploring different genres and does not want to confine himself to action. One of the directors he is in talks with is Om Raut, who directed Ajay Devgn in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior,” a source in the know informs a publication.
Om Raut is also doing a film with Kartik Aaryan. The 3D action thriller, produced by Bhushan Kumar, is expected to start rolling in the second half of the year. It will be shot in India and various locations abroad.
“I have been keen to do an out-and-out action film since a while, and Bhushan sir knew about it. I recently watched Tanhaji and was completely blown away by not only the spectacular visuals but also the narrative style. Om Raut’s vision when it comes to action storytelling using 3D is unparalleled,” Kartik had said after signing the untitled film.
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.