By: Mohnish Singh
Ever since making his acting debut with renowned filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds (2018), Ishaan Khatter has tried to take up roles that are completely different from the ones that he has already portrayed on screen.
Last seen in the commercial potboiler Khaali Peeli (2020), Khatter is presently shooting for Excel Entertainment’s horror-comedy Phone Bhoot, which also features Katrina Kaif and Siddhanth Chaturvedi on the cast. He will then begin working on RSVP Movies’ war-drama Pippa wherein he plays the character of a real-life army officer. The movie also stars Mrunal Thakur and Priyanshu Painyuli.
The latest we hear that Ishaan Khatter has signed his second film with Dharma Productions after Dhadak (2018). Yes, you read that absolutely right! According to reports, the newcomer has given his nod to a yet-to-be-titled psychological thriller which also stars Bulbbul (2020) actress Tripti Dimri as the female lead. From what we hear, Dimri will be playing a complex character in the film. If the news is indeed true, Khatter and Dimri will share the screen space together for the first time.
Reports further state that Anubhuti Kashyap, who recently announced her next directorial venture, Doctor G, with National Film Award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana, will call the shots for the psychological thriller. Sumit Saxena of Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011) and Lust Stories (2018) fame has written the film.
The project is expected to hit the shooting floor in mid-2021, once Anubhuti Kashyap and Ishaan Khatter wrap up their ongoing films. If things go as per the plan, the psychological thriller will enter theatres towards the end of 2021. An official announcement is highly awaited though.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the glitzy 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.