After warming the cockles of audiences’ hearts with her powerful performance in Hichki (2018) wherein she played the role of an aspiring teacher having Tourette syndrome, Rani Mukerji is now awaiting the release of her next outing Mardaani 2.
As the title suggests itself, Mardaani 2 is a sequel to her much-loved crime action thriller Mardaani (2014). The actress returns to reprise her role of police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy in the sequel. Yesterday, the makers dropped the trailer of the much-awaited film, which received thunderous response from the audience.
Expressing her happiness over the response that the trailer of Mardaani 2 has received in no time, Rani Mukerji said, “Mardaani 2 has an important social message and the entire plan has been built to spread this message as wide, to as many people as possible. I am overwhelmed by the reactions and really happy that our trailer has struck a chord with audiences."
Just like the first part of the franchise, Rani will be seen pitted against a very young but immensely dangerous villain. The makers are yet to reveal who is playing the lead antagonist in the movie. Mardaani 2 will also address the dangerous societal issue of rape cases in India that are being committed by juveniles.
Adding further, Rani Mukerji said, "I am hoping that the entire nation watches this film because it is inspired by some very disturbing true events that have happened around us wherein crime has been committed by a someone you don't even expect is capable of hurting anyone. Such crimes committed by juveniles is a reality and it is important for everyone to take note of this because it's one of the biggest challenges and threats posed to society at large.”
Produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films, Mardaani 2 is directed by Gopi Puthran who wrote the first part. The movie is scheduled to hit the marquee on December 13, 2019.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.