ACTRESS Rani Mukerji highlighted the potential for cinema to create strong cultural ties between Australia and India, similar to the bond forged through cricket, during a special event at the Australian Parliament in Canberra. Speaking at the event, Mukerji expressed her desire to collaborate with Hugh Jackman and envisioned a romantic drama featuring Nicole Kidman and Shah Rukh Khan.
Mukerji, who is in Australia for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, also unveiled a commemorative stamp honouring her late father-in-law, the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, at the precursor event on August 13.
"Just as cricket connects us, I hope the co-production treaty between our countries fosters a similar bond in our films. There is no better time than now to tell our shared stories. If you love our songs and dances there are so many Australian creative talents who have left a lasting impact on us. We absolutely love Baz Luhrmann (director) and his cinema and his musicals.
"You have Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman who we adore in India. They have stolen our hearts with their performances and their brilliance in musicals. I am really manifesting a romance between Nicole Kidman and Shah Rukh Khan and, of course, a Hugh Jackman and Rani Mukerji musical," the actor said at the event.
Mukerji, star of Hindi films such as Hum Tum, Saathiya and Mardani, said Indian films can transport viewers to a magical place with their riot of emotions as they are "unique and joyous".
"In India, our films have always brought families and communities together and now I see it happening globally... I am delighted to represent my country which is so diverse and in cinema it is so reflective of each different culture. They literally nourish a billion souls," she said.
According to the actor, Indian cinema is now at the forefront of shaping pop culture globally with its stories and talent.
"Our films bring a lot of joy to the world, they bring a lot of colour and happiness into the lives of people. They are truly transcending borders which is a testament to the growing impact, influence, and acceptance of our cinema," she said. (PTI)
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.