22-year-old Manushi Chhillar became an overnight sensation after bagging the coveted Miss World crown in 2017. Right after her spectacular win, rumour mill went into overdrive suggesting that she would too follow the footsteps of former Miss Worlds Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra and join Bollywood.
Though Chhillar has time and again said that she is not very keen on joining the Hindi film industry so early, reports suggest that she has already been signed for Farah Khan’s next directorial venture.
While fans wait for the official announcement on her debut vehicle, the latest we hear that she has bagged her second film as well. Yes, according to reports, Manushi has been roped in to play the female lead opposite superstar Ranveer Singh in one of Yash Raj Films’ upcoming projects.
A leading entertainment portal reports, “Yes, Ranveer Singh and Manushi Chhillar have been cast for the film that will be directed by Maneesh Sharma. However, given the fact that Ranveer is very busy, and also the fact that Manushi will be making her debut in Farah Khan’s film, this venture will go on floors much later”.
Ranveer Singh, who is presently preparing for his next movie 83, made his acting debut with Maneesh Sharma’s 2010 hit Band Baaja Baaraat, co-starring Anushka Sharma. If he has really signed this untitled project, it will mark his third collaboration with the filmmaker.
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.