By: Mohnish Singh
Kartik Aaryan is on a roll. On one hand, he has three exciting films at various stages of development. On the other hand, leading filmmakers are approaching him with scripts of high-profile projects in their hands.
The latest we hear that the Luka Chuppi (2019) actor is set to join forces with acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Yes, you read that right! A couple of days ago, we reported that Bhansali is planning to revive his ambitious project Heera Mandi as a web-series. And if fresh reports are to be believed, Aaryan is most likely to play the lead role in it.
If the actor goes on to sign the big-ticket show on the dotted line, it will mark his foray into the digital world. Rumours last week suggested that Sonakshi Sinha could be seen as the female lead in the forthcoming show, which revolves around the life of courtesans during the Indo-Pak partition. If that is true, Aaryan, Sinha, and Bhansali will step into the streaming world together.
Spilling some more beans on the upcoming show, a source close to the development tells a publication, “Kartik Aaryan and Bhansali have always discussed teaming up for a film together. They have met a couple of times in the past as well but nothing worked out. Recently, he was spotted at the maverick filmmaker’s office, and apparently, SLB asked him if he would like to do a role in Heera Mandi.”
While more details on Heera Mandi are expected to arrive soon, we hear that Bhansali is bankrolling it for streaming media giant Netflix. The show will be made on a big scale and have all the elements of a magnum-opus.
Reportedly, Bhansali will direct only a couple of episodes of the series as Vibhu Puri, who has previously directed Ayushmann Khurrana’s Hawaizaada (2015) and also written dialogues for Bhansali's Guzaarish (2010), starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has been roped in to call the shots.
Keep visiting this space for more updates on the upcoming venture.
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.