Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has signed on to star in the first feature-length episode of I Am, an award-winning female-led drama anthology series from Channel 4.
According to Deadline, the high-profile project also features Winslet’s daughter Mia Threapleton in I Am Ruth.
As with both previous series, each three new episodes will be named after its lead character, with further cast and narrative details to follow.
BAFTA-winning filmmaker Dominic Savage has created, written, and directed the stories for each film. These stories have been developed in a creative partnership with the leading actors, with semi-improvised dialogue.
The series of distinctive single films explores the experience of women in moments that are emotionally raw, thought-provoking, and personal. Filming is set to start at the end of April.
Kate Winslet arriving for the "Titanic 3D" premiere at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London. 27/03/2012 (Picture by: Steve Vas / Featureflash)
It is an honour, Savage said, for him to be working and collaborating with Winslet on this first film of the new series of I Am for the British TV channel.
"Kate is such a legend, such an incredible and sublime acting talent, and I can't wait to start shooting this unique and important story that we have created together," the director said.
Winslet, whose credits include TV titles like Mare of Easttown, Mildred Pierce, and films such as The Reader and Titanic, said she has always admired Savage's work and his commitment to telling real stories.
"British television is at an all-time high, and I feel excited and honoured to be part of this community, especially right now," she added.
I Am is produced by Me+You Productions. Executive Producers are Richard Yee and Savage, with Caroline Hollick and Gemma Boswell from Channel 4 overseeing.
The series is produced by Me+You co-founder Krishnendu Majumdar and Josh Hyams.
Keep visiting this space for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.