Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have announced two new nonfiction series in collaboration with Netflix, produced under their Archewell Productions. These projects are in the early stages of development and form part of the couple's deal with the streaming platform signed in 2020.
The first series, produced in association with Sony Pictures Television's The Intellectual Property Corporation, will focus on The Duchess celebrating cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. Meghan and Chanel Pysnik will executive produce for Archewell Productions, alongside Leah Hariton and Aaron Saidman.
The second series delves into the world of professional polo, capturing the sport's intensity and passion. It was primarily filmed at the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, at The USPA National Polo Center.
The series aims to explore both the aesthetic and social aspects of polo, shedding light on the sport's challenges and dedication. Boardwalk Pictures, known for Netflix's Chef's Table, will produce the series.
Previously, Meghan and Harry have created projects for Netflix such as the intimate docuseries Prince Harry & Duchess of Sussex in December 2022, marking their successful foray into the entertainment industry since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made notable appearances on TV shows since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals. Their most prominent TV appearance was in the intimate Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan in December 2022.
The series offered viewers an inside look into their personal lives, their relationship, and the challenges they faced as they transitioned away from royal duties. The docuseries was well-received and provided a rare glimpse into the couple's journey and experiences.
In addition to the docuseries, Meghan and Harry have been actively involved in producing content for streaming platforms, such as Netflix, through their media production company, Archewell Productions. Their projects often focus on themes such as mental health, wellness, and other impactful topics.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 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.