Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to star in SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, SSMB29, alongside Mahesh Babu, following the monumental success of RRR. Rajamouli’s next project, with a budget exceeding Rs. 1000 crore, is expected to be a massive cinematic experience, and fans are eagerly awaiting the fresh pairing of Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
While excitement builds around the film's grand scale, another major talking point is Priyanka Chopra's reported remuneration for the project. The actress, known for her global appeal, is said to be charging a hefty Rs. 30 crore for SSMB29, making her the highest-paid actress in the Indian film industry. This has reportedly pushed Deepika Padukone, who was previously the highest-paid with a salary of Rs. 15 to 20 crore per film, into second place. Priyanka’s fee has surpassed Deepika’s by a significant margin.
The film, which will be directed by Rajamouli, is expected to showcase breathtaking visuals and a compelling story. Rajamouli is known for his larger-than-life approach to filmmaking, and with SSMB29, he is set to deliver another grand spectacle. The movie is rumored to include filming locations in exotic destinations, such as Kenya, in addition to scenes in Hyderabad.
Along with Priyanka and Mahesh, the project has also generated buzz for its potential star-studded cast, with rumors suggesting John Abraham could join the ensemble. Despite reports about Priyanka’s significant paycheck, there has been no official confirmation from the film’s producers regarding her salary. However, her fee underscores the film’s colossal scale and the star power involved.
As production for SSMB29 continues behind closed doors, with tight security measures and NDAs in place, fans eagerly await what is expected to be one of the biggest releases in Indian cinema. With the combination of Rajamouli’s direction, Mahesh Babu’s stardom, and Priyanka Chopra’s global fanbase, SSMB29 is poised for international success.
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.