Over the last few days, rumours have been swirling online suggesting Malayalam superstar Mammootty has been diagnosed with colon cancer. On Sunday, a post on Reddit further fuelled speculation, claiming the actor was stepping back from work to undergo treatment. But Mammootty’s team has now put an end to the gossip, clarifying that there’s no truth to any of it.
The actor’s PR team stated that Mammootty is healthy and has simply taken a short break from his shoot schedule as he is observing Ramzan fasting. They emphasised that he is not dealing with any health issues, calling the cancer rumours “completely false”. “He is on vacation because of Ramzan. After the break, he will return to work”, his team stated.
The megastar silences health rumours, focuses on his upcoming big-budget filmInstagram/mammootty
Mammootty, who recently wrapped up the first leg of shooting for Mahesh Narayanan’s much-anticipated film, is expected to rejoin the sets soon. The film, which also stars Mohanlal and Fahadh Faasil, is temporarily titled MMMN (Mammootty, Mohanlal, Mahesh Narayanan). Filming for this big-budget project has already started in Sri Lanka and will continue across various locations including Delhi, Hyderabad, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, and London.
Despite the break, Mammootty’s calendar looks packed for the months ahead. He was last seen in Dominic and the Ladies' Purse, where he played a washed-up detective entangled in a conspiracy after being hired to find the owner of a lost purse. The film, produced by Mammootty’s own banner, Mammootty Kampany, received a mixed response from critics.
Mammootty clears the air—no health issues, just a Ramzan break before returning to setsInstagram/mammootty
Up next, Mammootty will appear in Bazooka, an action thriller set to hit theatres on April 10. Another much-discussed project on the horizon is a film directed by Jithin K Jose, in which Mammootty plays a character inspired by the notorious serial killer Cyanide Mohan.
Mammootty recently won his 15th Filmfare Award for his performance in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, and was also widely praised for his role in Kaathal: The Core.
For now, fans can rest easy knowing the actor is in good health and taking a well-deserved break before returning to work on his exciting new ventures.
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.