According to fresh reports, rising star Kartik Aaryan has given his nod to star in director Shashank Khaitan's next directorial offering. On Sunday, the duo was spotted outside Karan Johar's residence, which led to speculations that the trio is planning a film together.
Shashank Khaitan is one of the most successful filmmakers of Dharma Productions, who has previously delivered three immensely successful films like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014), Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017) and Dhadak (2018).
After Dhadak, Khaitan was supposed to begin work on his next Mr. Lele with Varun Dhawan. However, the project has been put on the backburner for a while. Looks like he has now planned something with Kartik Aaryan who has consistently proved his mettle as an actor.
Though there is no official confirmation on what is being planned among the trio, fans will be really excited to see Aaryan in a film by Shashank Khaitan who delivers nothing but success at the box-office.
Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan is currently shooting for Dharma Productions’ much-awaited comic-caper, Dostana 2, with Janhvi Kapoor and debutant Lakshya. He is simultaneously shooting for filmmaker Anees Bazmee’s horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, with Kiara Advani. Both films are scheduled to enter theatres in 2020 only.
The actor is also gearing up to begin work on his first ever action entertainer with director Om Raut who is presently riding high on the humongous success of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020). Rumours are rife that Kartik is in talks with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali for yet another film after Love Aaj Kal (2020).
As for Karan Johar, the filmmaker is looking forward to the release of his upcoming production venture, Sooryavanshi. Helmed by Rohit Shetty, the cop-drama stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. It is scheduled to release on 24th March 2020.
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.