Janhvi Kapoor on Friday took to Instagram to announce the completion of her next film Mili, the official remake of the successful Malayalam film Helen (2019). What makes the project even more special for the young actress is the fact that it has been produced by her father Boney Kapoor.
Mili is a survival thriller, which commenced production in August 2021 in Mumbai. Filmmaker Mathukutty Xavier, who helmed the original, has directed the film. It also features Manoj Pahwa and Sunny Kaushal in important roles.
Sharing a few behind-the-scenes stills from the sets of Mili on Instagram, Janhvi wrote an emotional note for her father. “It’s a wrap! Milli ❤️. My first film with papa, of whom I have only heard stories of all my life as a producer. But after working with you, and it feels so cool to say that, I finally know what everyone means when they say you give your heart and soul to each film you take up,” Kapoor wrote, adding, “That is not the only reason this film is so special to me. It has been the most inspiring journey to work with someone so completely consumed by his focus and love for cinema like Mathukutty Xavier sir.”
Thanking writer Noble Babu Thomas, Kapoor wrote, “Thank you and Noble Babu Thomas for your guidance and patience. For reinstating my belief that if you work honestly enough and hard enough, however tough the journey is, it is still the closest thing to magic. And it’s worth everything. I hope you guys feel the same way when you see the film! And I hope we make you proud, papa ❤️. Thank you for this journey.”
Apart from Mili, Janhvi Kapoor also has Colour Yellow Productions’ Good Luck Jerry and Dharma Productions’ Dostana 2 and Mr and Mrs Mahi in the pipeline.
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.