There is no denying the fact that the ongoing Coronavirus crisis has affected our lives in ways more than one. The pandemic may disappear from the face of the earth in some months, but its effects are going to be there for years to come.
There are a couple of filmmakers and writers in Bollywood, who are busy writing new stories against the backdrop of COVID-19. The latest we hear that the ongoing pandemic may find a mention in superstar Aamir Khan’s next film Laal Singh Chaddha. Yes, you read that right! Reportedly, the team is using the current break from shooting to update the script and include the Coronavirus pandemic in the story.
“It is self-evident that a film on the important historical happenings cannot be complete without communicating the Corona crisis. The shooting that is now halted would resume once the lockdown is over, with fresh inputs in the screenplay,” a source in the know informed an entertainment portal.
Laal Singh Chaddha, which is a remake of the classic Hollywood film Forrest Gump (1994), covers significant events of Indian history from 1947 until now. Aamir Khan will be seen in multiple avatars in the movie as his get-up keeps changing as the narrative progresses. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who last worked with the superstar in Talaash (2012), plays the female lead.
Advait Chandan, who made his directorial debut with Aamir Khan’s superhit film Secret Superstar (2017), is directing the high-profile film from the screenplay written by actor-writer Atul Kulkarni. Laal Singh Chaddha, produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Viacome18 Motion Pictures, is scheduled to release on Christmas 2020. However, a shift in its release date is likely due to the delay in shooting.
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.