A lot has been written about filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s next directorial venture Merry Christmas. The film features Katrina Kaif and Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles. Their unusual pairing seems to have become one of the major highlights of the film.
However, some recent reports suggested that the makers have decided to put the film into cold storage. Reacting to the reports, Sethupathi told a publication, “It is definitely happening. We will begin shooting at the end of December.”
So, what caused the delay in the filming of Merry Christmas? Well, it is nothing but the chock-a-block schedule of Sethupathi who currently has almost a dozen films on his platter. Having said that, the actor is quite thrilled about joining hands with Raghavan for the first time in his career. “Sriram Raghavan is a director I really admire and respect,” he said.
Merry Christmas will mark his first collaboration with Katrina Kaif as well. Reacting to working with the actress for the first time, he says, “I am happy with all my co-stars. They are all lovely people. I am sure Katrina will be a wonderful co-star.”
Talking about Sethupathi’s upcoming films, they include Maamanithan, Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir, Mugizh, Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal, Viduthalai, and Vikram in Tamil. He also makes his Bollywood debut with Santosh Sivan’s Mumbaikar. The actor is also playing an important role in Raj and DK’s upcoming streaming show for Amazon Prime Video. It stars Shahid Kapoor in the lead role.
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.