Filmmaker Priyadarshan is staging a comeback in Bollywood with a sequel to one of his most successful comic-capers Hungama (2003). The director, whose credits also include such blockbusters as Hera Pheri (2000), Garam Masala (2005) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), is presently busy locking the cast for Hungama 2.
A couple of days ago, the filmmaker confirmed signing newcomer Meezaan Jaffery to play the male lead in Hungama 2. “Yes, we have found our male lead in Hungama 2 and it is Meezaan. The boy is terrific on screen. He is a fabulous dancer like his father, emotes and fights well too. There is nothing he cannot do,” the director had said about the young actor who made his acting debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions’ Malaal (2019).
And now, the celebrated filmmaker has locked the female lead for his next directorial offering. Pranitha Subhash, an actress who has proved her acting mettle in films in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, has been finalized to romance Meezaan Jaffery in Hungama 2. The actress had to undergo audition to bag the part in the sequel.
Confirming the development, Priyadarshan told a publication, “The minute she walked in for the audition, I knew she was the one. I have signed Pranitha for Hungama 2 with Meezan Jaffrey. I am very happy with my casting. The pair is fresh and excited about working in my film. They don’t have the jaded seen-it-all attitude of some established stars. Not yet.”
Hungama 2 will not mark Pranitha’s debut in the Hindi film industry. Before the Priyadarshan directorial makes its entry into cinemas, the beautiful actress will be seen in T-Series Films’ Bhuj: The Pride of India opposite superstar Ajay Devgn. The film is scheduled to release on 14th August 2020.
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.