Most recently seen in Colour Yellow Productions’ Laal Kaptaan (2019), Saif Ali Khan is currently looking forward to the release of his next film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior which features him in a negative role. The historical drama also stars Ajay Devgn and Kajol in lead roles and is set to arrive in theatres on 10th January, 2020. The trailer of the movie, which was released recently, has been received greatly by the audience, with everyone praising Khan’s evil look in it.
After Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, Saif Ali Khan will be seen in his home production Jawaani Jaaneman alongside Tabu. The film marks the acting debut of former model and actress Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia Furniturewala. Jawaani Jaaneman will be followed by Fox Star Studios’ Dil Bechara wherein he plays an important character.
The latest we hear that the National Film Award winning actor has added yet another interesting project to his resume. According to fresh reports, Saif Ali Khan has given his nod to star in filmmaker Rahul Dholakia’s next directorial offering which still remains untitled.
Reportedly, the forthcoming project is a thriller and revolves around the strong bond between a father-daughter duo, which was one of the main reasons Khan agreed to come onboard. Ananya Panday is rumoured to have been cast to play his daughter in the film. If everything works out well, the team is looking at beginning production in April 2020.
Saif Ali Khan is also rumoured to have given his nod to Yash Raj Films’ Bunty Aur Babli 2 alongside Rani Mukerji and Siddhant Chaturvedi. The film is a sequel to 2005 hit Bunty Aur Babli, originally starring Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji. The makers are yet to announce the project officially.
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.