With several A-list actors and filmmakers jumping from the silver screen and exploring opportunities on the web-space, it will not be an exaggeration to say that digital is the next big thing for the entertainment sector. In the past two years, we have seen a number of well-established Bollywood faces venturing into the web-space and some are waiting for the right opportunity to come their way.
Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan does not have qualms too about directing web content. Presently busy finalizing the story and cast of her next directorial venture for Rohit Shetty, Khan is keeping the option in mind. “I love the digital space and sometime later, I will make something for that platform. It is a great time for content makers. So, if you are a good actor and you haven’t got your due, then there is enough space on this platform,” says she.
Farah, who has been in the Hindi film industry for over 25 years and has worked with all the leading stars, also feels that it is too early to say if star power is fading. “What is happening is that the bad films of stars are not working but still, the star is drawing in the crowd. It is very hasty to say that the star system is fading though there is a new order coming in.”
She adds, “If a movie is not good, they are not accepting it. Even then, their films will make a certain amount of money like Aamir Khan’s film will still make 50 crore on the first day. So that is the star power.”
For the uninitiated, Farah Khan is indeed making her digital debut, but not as a director. Khan is producing her husband Shishir Kunder’s upcoming thriller Mrs Serial Killer for Netflix. The series stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Manoj Bajpayee and Mohit Raina in lead roles.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.