A lot has been said and written about the possibility of Yash Raj Films planning a sequel to their 2005 hit Bunty Aur Babli, starring Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan in principal roles. Rumours have been rife lately that Siddharth Chaturvedi, the breakout star of Gully Boy (2019), has been roped in to play the male lead in the sequel.
The latest we hear that the Gully Boy star could be paired opposite Janhvi Kapoor in Bunty Aur Babli 2. If the news turns out to be true, the project will mark Kapoor's first collaboration with Yash Raj Films, a production house with which her late mother Sridevi delivered cult hits like Chandni and Lamhe. Buzz also has it that immensely talented actor R Madhavan could also join the star cast of the much-awaited sequel. However, the final casting is yet to be confirmed by the makers.
“Though Ishaan Khatter was initially considered for the male lead, he has allotted bulk dates to Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy. Since the makers want to roll with Bunty Aur Babli 2 before the year-end, they are in talks with Siddhant. The actor will wrap up the shoot of Inside Edge’s latest season, post which he can work on the comedy. If Janhvi comes on board, she is likely to squeeze in the project between Dostana 2 and Takht, which rolls in February-end. The two have yet to sign on the dotted line," a source in the know informs a daily.
While Bunty Aur Babli was helmed by Shaad Ali, the sequel will be directed by a new filmmaker, according to reports. An official announcement is highly awaited.
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.