Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt are set to topline actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s next directorial venture Jee Le Zaraa, the makers announced on Tuesday.
Billed as a road trip drama, the upcoming film is a joint venture between Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment, and Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s Tiger Baby. The same team has previously delivered such notable films as Gully Boy (2019), Gold (2018), and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Jee Le Zaraa has been written by Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti.
The 47-year-old filmmaker, who last directed Don 2 (2011), is excited about making his directorial comeback. He is looking forward to working on the film, which he announced on the 20th anniversary of his directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
“Did someone say road trip? Thrilled to announce my next film as director and what better day than 20 years of Dil Chahta Hai to do it. Jee Le Zaraa with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt will commence filming in 2022 and I cannot wait to get this show on the road,” Akhtar said.
Earlier, rumours were rife that Akhtar would take the Don franchise forward with Don 3, but he has surprised everyone by announcing a completely new project. Having said that, nobody is complaining as watching Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt together and that too in a road trip film is going to be an unforgettable experience for Bollywood film enthusiasts.
Set to hit the shooting floor in 2022, Jee Le Zaraa is scheduled to enter cinemas in 2023.
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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.