Ever since theatres in India shuttered their doors for moviegoers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, people have been consuming content on streaming media platforms. Making hay while the sun shines, streamers have been adding a string of titles to enrich their content catalogue and, in turn, increase their subscriber base.
It is true that several dozen films have released on various digital media platforms over the past one and a half year and some of them have even performed really well, but actor Jimmy Sheirgill says that nothing can match up to the experience of watching a film on a big screen. He, however, does not rule out the immense contribution of streaming platforms in providing entertainment to viewers amid the pandemic.
Sheirgill, who is awaiting the direct-to-digital premiere of his next film Collar Bomb, believes that the digital medium has been a blessing for both the film industry and the audiences amid these testing times. “We are human beings and we easily adapt to any kind of situation. Because of the pandemic as theatres are shut, we were still getting to watch movies sitting at home. Because of OTT, we have so many options for our entertainment. We should be happy that these platforms have given us the scope of entertainment while we have been sitting at home,” says the actor.
The actor, who has been part of such streaming shows as Rangbaaz Phirse and Your Honor, says theatres will continue to exist. “When theatres open up, we will go back to watching movies in cinema halls. Probably, value theatre experience more, like this is the place where we would come to enjoy and get entertained,” he adds.
Collar Bomb, also starring Asha Negi and Rajshri Deshpande, revolves around police officer Manoj Hesi (Sheirgill) whose life turns upside down when he is forced to follow the commands of a suicide bomber who threatens to blow up a school. The film has been directed by Dnyanesh Zoting.
Sheirgill says that he loves the thriller genre and it was fun working on the film. “I love thrillers and working on it is not easy, one has to be alert always. It is an interesting story set against time,” he concludes.
Produced by Yoodlee Films and 3 Earth Entertainment, Collar Bomb is scheduled to premiere on Disney + Hotstar on July 9, 2021.
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.