The first looks of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt from the upcoming Bollywood film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani were unveiled on Karan Johar's birthday
Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt are "the newest couple in the Dharma cinematic universe" in the first look of director Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, announced Dharma Productions on Thursday.
The posters of Singh and Bhatt, who previously co-starred in 2019's Gully Boy, were revealed on the occasion of Johar's 51st birthday. The family drama will hit the screens on July 2, 2023.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, which marks Johar's return to direction after 2016's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, will be released in the 25th anniversary year of the filmmaker in the industry. He made his directorial debut in 1998 with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji.
Johar's family banner Dharma Productions shared the first glimpses of Singh as Rocky and Bhatt as Rani on its official Twitter page.
"Meet the newest couple in the Dharma cinematic universe – Rocky & Rani! Inn dono ki prem kahaani hai adhuri without their family! STAY TUNED & MEET THEIR PARIVAAR! #RockyAurRaniKiiPremKahaani, a film by Karan Johar in his 25th anniversary year..." the production house said in the tweet.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani also stars veteran actors Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi in key roles.
The production house described Singh's Rocky, dressed in jazzy and colourful outfits, as a character who is "rocking in every avatar".
"Yaaron ka yaar, rocking in every avatar, aur iss 'prem kahaani' ka dildaar - meet Rocky!" read the caption.
Bhatt's Rani is the 'queen' draped in vibrant saris. "Dilon ko dhadkaane aa rahi hai woh - the 'Rani' (queen) of this 'prem kahaani'!" the banner said about her character description.
Later in the day, Dharma Productions also shared the posters of the film's two families -- Randhawas and Chatterjees.
"Do alag parivaar, ek bada dhamaka! Meet the Randhawas & the Chatterjees," the banner said in the tweet.
Penned by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani is scheduled to hit the screens on July 28.
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.