After the humongous success of his last release Kabir Singh (2019), Shahid Kapoor has become one of the most sought-after actors in the tinsel town of Bollywood. Today, a number of leading producers are ready to spend crores to get him onboard a project.
According to a report, Sajid Nadiadwala of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment recently approached Kapoor for a high-profile film. The actor has reportedly liked the script but is yet to sign the film on the dotted line.
A source in the know informs an entertainment portal, "When Sajid Nadiadwala's banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment put their next project in place, they were keen on getting a male star from the younger generation to come as the lead and they zeroed in on Shahid. They offered Shahid the film, who happened to have liked the script. This happened a few months ago before the lockdown began. Although there is a verbal agreement in place, Shahid hasn't completely given them a nod yet. They are discussing modalities and once they agree, they will sign the contracts."
Though nothing much is known about the film at the moment, the source adds that it is a social drama. "It is being designed as a commercial film, which will also have an A-list heroine romancing Shahid in it. The actress' role is little heavier than the male lead's but it is almost at par with each other. Her story drives the narrative ahead, but the political drama also has the main lead's romance as the big backdrop.”
Shahid and Sajid Nadiadwala were earlier in talks to collaborate on the official remake of S. S. Rajamouli’s superhit Telugu film Magadheera (2009), but the project could not materialize for a variety of reasons. "Shahid and Sajid have maintained a cordial relationship always and if this turns out to be true, it will be his first film under NGE," the source says in conclusion.
Shahid Kapoor, who will next be seen in sports drama Jersey, is also in talks with Dharma Productions for a film.
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.