By: Mohnish Singh
A couple of weeks ago, we reported that renowned writer Javed Akhtar was set to make his comeback with a new project which Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, was set to produce. Akhtar last wrote Don (2006), which had Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in principal roles.
And now, producer Ritesh Sidhwani has confirmed that the said project is indeed taking shape at Excel Entertainment.
When a leading publication asked Sidhwani about the comeback film of Javed Akhtar, he laughed and said, “Comeback? Where did he go? He has been writing lyrics.”
Later, the producer shared more details on the upcoming project, saying, “He is writing something and that update is true. We will be announcing the film soon. It is going to an adventure film, very different from what we have made so far.”
Sidhwani went on to add that the audience is going to have a lot of fun with the world that Javed Akhtar is creating. “It is his world, what he was known for. There is action that has got an adventure element. It is going to be wholesome entertainment, from the school that he has come from,” he concluded.
Excel Entertainment is currently looking forward to the release of their next production venture Hello Charlie. Starring Aadar Jain, Shloka Pandit, and Jackie Shroff in lead roles, the film has been directed by Pankaj Saraswat. It is slated for its grand premiere on April 9 on Amazon Prime Video.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.