Last seen in Eros International and Colour Yellow Productions’ Laal Kaptaan (2019), Saif Ali Khan has some interesting projects lined-up for release in 2020. He will start his New Year with the release of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior wherein he is playing the antagonist. Made under the banner of Ajay Devgn Ffilms, the historical drama also features superstar Ajay Devgn and Kajol in lead roles. The Om Raut directorial is scheduled to hit the marquee on 10th January, 2020.
Exactly a month after the release of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Khan will be seen in his home production Jawaani Jaaneman, co-starring Alaia Furniturewala and Tabu. The film marks the acting debut of Alaia Furniturewala who is the daughter of former model and actress Pooja Bedi. Jawaani Jaaneman enters theatres on 7th February, 2020.
Jawaani Jaaneman is expected to be followed by the premiere of Amazon Prime Video’s next original series Tandav, wherein Saif Ali Khan plays an ambitious politician. Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar of Sultan (2016), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Bharat (2019) fame is calling the shots for the project.
The latest we hear that Saif Ali Khan has just joined Rani Mukerji and Siddhant Chaturvedi on the cast of Bunty Aur Babli 2, a sequel to Yash Raj Films’ superhit crime romantic comedy Bunty Aur Babli (2005), originally starring Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji in central characters.
While the original film was directed by filmmaker Shaad Ali, the sequel will be helmed by Varun V Sharma who has earlier written Sultan for Yash Raj Films. Apart from Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji and Siddhant Chaturvedi, Bunty Aur Babli 2 also features debutante Sharvari Wagh. Character details have yet not been revealed.
Yash Raj Films is yet to make an official announcement though.
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.