Actress Parineeti Chopra, who was most recently seen in a brief role in superstar Akshay Kumar’s patriotic drama Kesari (2019), has some exciting projects lined up for release in 2019 and 2020. One of her upcoming films that everyone is eagerly waiting for is the official remake of Hollywood biggie The Girl On The Train (2016).
Earlier, Jacqueline Fernandez was set to play the female lead in the project. However, the Race 3 (2018) actress bowed out of the movie owing to some creative differences. Her exit paved the way for Parineeti Chopra to come onboard and headline the yet-to-be-titled film.
If the latest Instagram post on Chopra’s account is anything to go by, the gorgeous actress has just started preparing for her role in the remake. Taking to Instagram, Parineeti shared a picture of the script of the film alongside her favourite coffee mug which she has kept with her for the past 7 years now.
Parineeti wrote on Instagram, "Prep Girl On The Train (Also meet my 7 yr. old coffee mug that I cannot live without! I use it every day. Take it everywhere. It was @thisissahajchopra‘s first ever gift to me, so it’s super, super special.)"
The Girl On The Train is based on the 2015 bestseller by Paula Hawkins. Speaking about getting the plum role in the remake, Parineeti had earlier said, "It is a privilege for me to play the character that she (Emily Blunt) has essayed so brilliantly on screen. The restrain and range she showed as an actor while playing a girl who is troubled and battling herself in the film showed what a fantastic actor she is.”
Besides The Girl On The Train, Parineeti Chopra will also be seen in such hotly anticipated films as Jabariya Jodi, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Saina and an untitled film with director Anurag Basu.
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.