By: Mohnish Singh
The Coronavirus pandemic, which is far from showing any signs of abatement, brought the entire entertainment industry to its knees in March 2020. After a long gap of more than six months, showbiz is finally getting back to its feet.
But while theatres closed their doors for the audience in an attempt to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, digital media platforms made the most of the opportunity by updating their content library and entertaining audiences with a variety of shows and films.
The audience also binge-watched a number of international shows and films during the lockdown. Award-winning actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui alone had three releases on streaming media platforms with Ghoomketu, Raat Akeli Hai, and Serious Men.
Sharing his thoughts on the rise of the streaming media content in India, Nawaz says that the trend has changed the taste of Indian audience for good. “(Until now) people used to watch romantic films that had the song-and-dance routine, a few stunts, and a happy ending. Viewers felt this was all cinema could be as they had only been exposed to such films over the years. But in the lockdown, people started watching world cinema. Now, they are more educated about movies, and that will work in our favour. Actors like me, who indulged in films like Raman Raghav (2016) and Manto (2018), will be able to strike a balance.”
On the work front, Nawazuddin Siddiqui will next be seen in romantic-comedy Bole Chudiyan. Also starring Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead role, the film marks the directorial debut of Siddiqui’s younger brother, Shamas Siddiqui. In addition to Bole Chudiyan, the actor also has Sangeen and Jogira Sara Ra Ra on his platter. All three films are expected to release in 2021.
Keep visiting this space for more updates from the world of entertainment.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.