If one project that has kept the audience curious right after its announcement in 2018, it has to be the next directorial venture of hit filmmaker Luv Ranjan. The director last helmed Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). Starring Kartik Aaryan, Sunny Singh and Nushrat Bharucha is lead roles, the comic-caper turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2019. Months after the humongous success of SKTKS, Luv Ranjan announced that he would next team up with superstar Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor.
Ever since Ranjan has officially announced his next directorial venture, fans have been waiting for it to kick-start at the earliest so that they could see Ajay Devgn and Ranbir Kapoor once again on the silver screen after their successful political thriller Raajneeti (2010). However, the project is taking more time than expected in beginning production as both the actors are presently busy with their respective films.
Another reason behind the delay is that Luv Ranjan is yet to finalize the female lead for his film. Several names have been cropped in the last few months, but the makers are yet to zero in on the leading lady of the project.
If latest reports are to be believed, Deepika Padukone may reunite with Ranbir Kapoor in Ranjan’s next. The duo last worked together on Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha (2015) which was a moderate success at the box-office. Both recently visited Luv Ranjan’s residence on Friday, which has flamed the rumours of them teaming up together once again.
Padukone, who is also playing the female lead opposite husband Ranveer Singh in 83, is said to be in talks with Ranjan over the important role in the romantic comedy. The film is expected to go on the floors later on this year so an official announcement is highly awaited.
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.