Today is the 42nd day of lockdown in India, and nobody knows as to when COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted and things will return to normalcy. Talking about Bollywood in particular, several big-ticket films have missed their date with cinemas over the past few weeks.
With no clarity on how long the ongoing situation will persist, several filmmakers are eyeing a direct to digital release for their films which are completely ready. Recently, rumours emerged that Dharma Productions’ forthcoming production venture Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl will release directly on an OTT platform.
Aside from that, several media outlets also reported that Dharma Productions’ hugely anticipated release Brahmastra, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Mouni Roy and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles, is facing financial constraints due to the number of delays it has incurred thus far.
However, Karan Johar has now hit back at a section of the media which have been spreading baseless news about the status of his forthcoming production ventures and whether they will go directly on digital platforms or not.
Taking to social media, Johar said, “My hugest request to my media friends not to reach any assumptions on our fraternity films. These are challenging times for the business and false news only makes the situation worse! Please wait for official news on any account! This is a humble request.”
Dharma Productions’ slate of upcoming films for the year 2020 include Sooryavanshi, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Shershaah, Dostana 2 and Brahmastra. Starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, Sooryavanshi was scheduled to arrive in theatres on 24th March. However, the makers postponed the film due to the Coronavirus lockdown. The new release date is yet to be finalized.
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.