By: Mohnish Singh
After the huge success of Breathe (2018) and Breathe: Into the Shadows (2020) on Amazon Prime Video, producer Vikram Malhotra of Abundantia Entertainment is joining forces with the streamer again for yet another high-profile show.
According to reports, filmmaker Tanuja Chandra has been roped in to direct the yet-to-be-titled series which is set to be mounted on a huge scale. Chandra, who is known for such notable films as Dushman (1998) and Sangharsh (1999), last helmed Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017) starring Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Thiruvothu. National Award-winning writer Juhi Chaturvedi has written the upcoming series.
As far as the cast is concerned, we hear that it is going to be a multi-starrer show and hence, several prominent names from the industry will be part of the ensemble cast. So far, actresses like Juhi Chawla, Soha Ali Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Kritika Kamra, Karishma Tanna, and Shahana Goswami have come onboard to essay lead characters.
Sharing more details on the untitled show, a source close to the development informs a publication, “It is a thriller-drama which Chandra and Chaturvedi have been working on for a while, and it has panned out beautifully. All the actresses have a pivotal role in the show and they start shooting for it from March in Delhi. Tanuja is presently busy with the pre-production work.”
The publication goes on to add that the lead cast recently gathered at a five-star hotel in Juhu for a reading session. In a time when multi-starrer shows are ruling the roost on streaming media platforms, it will definitely be a treat to watch talents like Juhi Chawla, Soha Ali Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Kritika Kamra, Karishma Tanna, and Shahana Goswami in one frame in yet another star-studded show.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.