Karan Johar is gearing up for what he calls the "proudest film" of Dharma Productions. Taking to Instagram, the filmmaker shared a heartfelt note about his upcoming project, which will be directed by a first-time filmmaker. While he didn't reveal the title, fans were quick to guess that the film in question is Kesari Chapter 2.
In his post, Karan highlighted his long-standing commitment to launching fresh talent in the industry. He proudly mentioned that this will be the 24th debutant director introduced under Dharma Productions, subtly addressing criticism that he only promotes star kids. According to him, 90% of these new filmmakers have been outsiders, countering the nepotism debate that often surrounds his productions.
Reflecting on his journey as a producer, Karan recalled his first production, Kal Ho Naa Ho and how his goal has always been to support storytellers and create films that entertain, inspire, or leave an impact. He admitted that some projects succeeded while others didn’t, but the intent was always genuine.
The upcoming film, which has been in development for four years, faced several setbacks, including delays due to the pandemic. However, Karan praised the dedication of the director and the entire team, acknowledging their hard work and resilience. He expressed deep admiration for the actors and crew who stood by the project despite the challenges.
Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra promote ‘Kesari’ in Ahmedabad, March 2019Getty Images
Karan made it clear that while commercial success is never guaranteed, he personally believes this film holds a special place in Dharma Productions' legacy. He ended his note with a hope that audiences will embrace the film with the same passion that the team put into making it.
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The announcement, shared on an orange background, sparked widespread speculation among fans, with many assuming it was Kesari Chapter 2. The sequel to the 2019 war drama Kesari, which starred Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra, is expected to feature Akshay Kumar, Ananya Panday, and R Madhavan in leading roles.
Although no official confirmation has been given, excitement is already building for this project. With Karan Johar's enthusiastic endorsement and a strong creative team behind it, the film will be one of the most anticipated releases from Dharma Productions.
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.