By: Mohnish Singh
Most recently seen in the Netflix film Mrs. Serial Killer (2020), Jacqueline Fernandez has started shooting for her next Bachchan Pandey. The actress joined superstar Akshay Kumar on the sets of the film in Jaisalmer and kick-started the shoot. She took to Instagram to share the news and pictures from the sets.
Sharing a black-and-white picture with her co-star Akshay Kumar, Fernandez wrote: “The most excited today as I start shooting with Akshay Kumar for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Bachchan Pandey, directed by Farhad Samji. Are you ready to meet this gang in cinemas next year?”
Bachchan Pandey, which went on floors in the first week of January, is an action entertainer. In addition to Jacqueline Fernandez and Akshay Kumar, the film also stars Kriti Sanon and Arshad Warsi in important roles.
Earlier today, Sanon and Warsi announced that they have completed shooting for their portions in the film. “And it is a schedule wrap for me with Akshay Kumar for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Bachchan Pandey directed by Farhad Samji,” Sanon had written on social media.
She went on to add, “One of the best, most fun and memorable schedules I have had so far. Time just flew and we ended up making a film in between the echoing laughter, gaming sessions, and never-ending lunches and dinners as we all became one family! It was surely the saddest Goodbye from the beautiful Suryagarh Palace, but we shall meet again soon! Can’t wait to see you guys in cinemas!”
Warsi wrote, “Wrapped up Bachchan Pandey. This film is going to be very close to my heart because I met some of the most talented and really wonderful people. Kriti, Jacqueline, Akshay, Sajid, Farhad, and, of course, the crew, thank you so much.”
Bachchan Pandey, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is set to debut in cinemas on January 26, 2022.
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.