Manoj Bajpayee is set to essay the role of an army officer in the upcoming film Aiyaary which is helmed by Neeraj Pandey. Talking about Neeraj Pandey’s films, Manoj said to a leading Indian daily, "If you say Special 26 and A Wednesday is his kind, then what is Ouch? Somewhere Neeraj has the ability to surprise you with the craft of storytelling which is very new. I don’t see it at all happening (elsewhere)."
Adding further, he said, "He doesn’t succumb to all those stereotypical mainstream formula but still manages to intrigue you with a story which is so unique. Every time we work, not even one line (in the script) is wasted. So that doesn’t give you the liberty to go ahead and add your own few things because when he is writing each and every word, even the formation of dialogue is such that you can’t really change it. You know, I have tried many times to change the formation, but it didn’t work."
On being asked about his experience working with the younger actors, Manoj said, "How to compete with them by staying young! That’s a tough task (laughs). This generation is supposed to do various things that we were not. We really had to work hard to find one information. And here they are who have grown up watching world cinema, their knowledge is immense. I really feel they are far ahead when it comes to information and knowledge. Sitting with them, observing them, once you just surrender to them, you learn so much, you suddenly realize that you have to know so much. Though there is no comparison but what we can do is, we can up our game when it comes to learning few things from them."
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.