Actor Junaid Khan, who recently garnered critical acclaim for his role in the Netflix film Maharaj, has teased fans with news of his latest cinematic venture.
The actor, who is the son of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, revealed that he has commenced shooting for an untitled film in Delhi.
In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Junaid Khan shared insights about his new project, hinting that it is backed by a prominent production house.
Earlier, certain reports of him shooting with Khushi Kapoor in Delhi were doing rounds on the internet which suggested the duo would shoot in the national capital for a few weeks.
This announcement comes on the heels of the release of Maharaj, a historical drama that has received widespread positive feedback since its premiere on Friday.
Reflecting on the success of Maharaj, Junaid expressed his gratitude for the film's reception.
"I'm very grateful for the by and large positive response that Maharaj has received. So yeah, it's quite satisfying; I guess all's well that ends well," he said.
Maharaj delves into the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case, one of India's most significant legal battles, and highlights the life of social reformer Karsandas Mulji.
The film, directed by Sidharth P Malhotra and produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF) Entertainment, also features Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini Pandey, with a special appearance by Sharvari.
Junaid shared his thoughts on joining the project, citing the strong narrative and the Yash Raj banner as key attractions.
"When Sid and Adi Sir called me for this story, I found it very appealing. I really liked Sid Sir's part. The Yash Raj banner is significant, so taking on this project was an obvious choice," he said.
The actor also mentioned receiving feedback from his father, Aamir Khan, known for his selective advice. "He normally lets us do what we want to do unless we ask for something very specific; then he gives advice. But he liked the film. He saw the film a few months ago and he quite liked it," Junaid added.
The release of Maharaj faced a brief hurdle when the Gujarat High Court imposed a temporary stay on its release.
However, this stay was lifted on Friday, prompting YRF to express its gratitude through an official statement. "We are grateful to the judiciary for allowing the release of 'Maharaj,' a film that celebrates one of the most important social reformers of our country, Karsandas Mulji," read the statement. "Yash Raj Films has a 50-year-old legacy of championing India, its stories, its people, culture & heritage. We have never produced a film that tarnished the reputation of our country or our countrymen."
Maharaj is streaming on Netflix
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.