Priyanka Chopra is back in India for the shoot of SS Rajamouli’s much-talked-about film, SSMB29. She recently arrived in Odisha, where the latest schedule of the film is underway. The actor shared snippets from her journey on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of the region’s landscapes as she made her way to the set. Though there’s still silence about the film’s storyline or her character, these posts have sparked excitement among fans.
On her way to the filming location, Priyanka shared a short clip from her car, capturing the lush greenery of Kotpad on her route to Koraput. She also posted an in-flight photo, where she’s seen peeking out the window, as well as a snapshot of local shops she spotted along the way. Earlier, photos of her at Odisha airport with flight attendants had made their way across social media.
The shoot is taking place in the Koraput district, specifically at Talamali Hilltop in Semiliguda. The location, surrounded by the Deomali Hills, is known particularly for its untouched natural beauty. Rajamouli reportedly chose the region because its rugged terrain and dense forests resemble the African landscape, which suits the backdrop of the story.
Priyanka Chopra shares glimpses of her scenic journey to OdishaInstagram/priyankachopra
Joining Priyanka on set are Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. While the makers haven’t officially announced the cast, reports suggest that all three actors are part of the current filming schedule. Security around the shoot has been tightened following leaks from earlier scenes. One clip that surfaced online showed Mahesh Babu in a tense standoff with a character believed to be played by Prithviraj. Since then, the production team has implemented a multi-layered security system to prevent further breaches.
SSMB29 is planned as a two-part epic, with the first instalment expected to release in 2027. With Rajamouli at the helm and an impressive cast, the film is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema.
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.