Ileana D’Cruz is set to star opposite Ajay Devgn in the upcoming film Raid. Ajay Devgn will be seen as the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax in the film, whereas Ileana will be essaying the role of Ajay Devgn’s wife in the film. Her character as Malini is not a stereotypical one. Elaborating about the strength of her character in the film, Ileana said to a leading Indian daily, "I don’t play a regular Indian housewife from the 80s. I voice my opinions and I’m the strength behind my husband. The love and intimacy between the two of them is showcased through the songs and various emotional scenes in the movie. In terms of screen time, it’s not a lengthy role, but my character is memorable and pivotal to the story."
It was reported that Ajay Devgn suggested Ileana for movies, especially for Total Dhamaal. Speaking about the same, Ileana said to another leading Indian daily, "I haven’t met anyone for Total Dhamaal, so it’s funny to hear these things. What upsets me is that people put out such malicious rumors. I have tremendous respect for Ajay and he has been nothing but respectful to me."
However, Ileana revealed that Ajay had suggested her name for Raid, she said, "I have no qualms in saying that the only film he recommended me for was Raid. In fact, Arjun Kapoor (her Mubarakan co-star) has also recommended a script to me, so it’s not only about one actor."
Helmed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid is scheduled to release on March 16, 2018.
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.