AS KAMINEY marks 15 years since its release, actor Shahid Kapoor reflects on the impact of the film and his desire to return to the gritty world of its twin protagonists. Released on August 14, 2009, Kaminey became a landmark in Kapoor's career and initiated his fruitful collaboration with director Vishal Bhardwaj, who later directed him in Haider and Rangoon. Kapoor has expressed a strong interest in revisiting the characters and storyline in a potential sequel.
"It (Kaminey) was probably the most original piece of content I had heard ever in my career at that time. It was an amazing experience. I worked with really good actors and I wish we do another one.
"I kept telling him (Bhardwaj) to make a part two. I want to see more Kamineys. I think it had that naughtiness that will always be exciting to the audience because it is grungy, grounded and naughty, which is a great combination," Kapoor told PTI.
Set against the backdrop of the underworld in Mumbai, Kaminey presented the tale of two estranged twins, Charlie and Guddu, both played by Kapoor, whose lives become entangled in a web of crime, corruption, and deceit.
The characters of twin protagonists were polar opposites. Charlie, who has a lisp, is a small-time crook with dreams of making it big by any means necessary, while Guddu, who stutters, is an honest man working in an NGO.
Filmmaker Amol Gupte played the villain in the movie, while Priyanka Chopra played the love interest of Guddu.
Bhardwaj, also a well-known music composer and singer, gave hit tracks such as Dhan Te Nan, Kaminey, Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai and Raat Ke Dhai Baje, for the film with Gulzar penning lyrics.
Kapoor, 43, said he feels a lot of "gratitude" towards the filmmaker for trusting him with the characters be it, Charlie and Guddu or Haider.
"I had done nothing in my acting career to deserve that opportunity. It was really his vision or instinct, whatever one calls it. He has given me some really memorable films, Kaminey and Haider being at the top of my list of my top 5 films.
"(I remember) I was afraid to do it but being very pumped to do that film because I was like, 'This is an opportunity to open a second dimension in my career and people's mind about what they think I can do. And I'm going to give my bloody best'," he said.
Kaminey, which also featured Chandan Roy Sanyal as Charlie's friend Mikhail, was "ahead of its time", the actor said.
"It was bringing the pulp genre to India almost for the first time, something that people had not seen," Kapoor said.
The actor was most recently seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, opposite Kriti Sanon. His next release is Deva with Pooja Hegde. (PTI)
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.