Yuva (2004), helmed by celebrated filmmaker Mani Ratnam, did not leave the cash registers jingling upon its release 16 years ago, but the film did manage to wow audiences later on television and gain cult status over the years.
The political thriller, which revolved around students entering politics, received great critical acclaim, with Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan walking away with a lot of praise for their power-packed, sterling performances.
As Yuva completes 16 years of its theatrical release, Rani Mukerji takes a trip down the memory lane and reminisces about some of the best compliments that she received for her performance, particularly from the late actor Shammi Kapoor. She also reveals her most favourite song from the film.
“One of my favourite songs in the film is ‘Kabhi Neem Neem, Kabhi Shahad Shahad’. It is one of my favourite songs till date. The way Madhushree sang it, the way AR Rahman composed it and, of course, the way Brinda, the choreographer, and Mani Ratnam sir picturised the song, and Ravi K shot it – it was just magical,” says Rani.On receiving praises from Shammi Kapoor for her performance in the film, the Hichki (2018) star says, “I distinctly remember, one of my all-time favourite actors, Shammi (Kapoor) Ji calling me about the ‘Kabhi Neem Neem’ song. He told me how much he loved my performance, especially the part where I am sitting on a chair and reacting to Abhishek’s dance.”
The actress goes on to share that she was very close to the late actor. “I was very close to him and I have always been a huge fan of his work, especially his songs. Hence, for him to call me and compliment me for the song was even more special and meant a lot to me.”
Directed by Mani Ratnam, Yuva also had Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Esha Deol on its ensemble cast.
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.