Samantha Ruth Prabhu is rewriting the rules in South Indian cinema, and this time, it’s not just with her acting. With her first production venture, Bangaram, she’s made headlines for setting a new standard: equal pay for everyone on set, regardless of gender. That’s something rarely seen in an industry where pay gaps are the norm.
When Samantha launched her production house, Tralala Moving Pictures, in December 2023, her vision was clear: tell stories that matter and create an inclusive space for talent. Bangaram, directed by Nandini Reddy, is the company’s debut film, and it’s already turning heads. While the first-look poster generated plenty of buzz, what really caught people’s attention was Samantha’s insistence on fair wages for all cast members, regardless of gender.
Samantha promises equal pay for all cast and crew membersGetty Images
At the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES), Nandini Reddy shared how Samantha made sure there was no difference in pay between her male and female co-stars. “She told me that there’s complete pay parity on this film. I was so proud of her,” Nandini said at the event. Kannada actor Ramya and cinematographer Preetha Jayaraman, who were also part of the discussion, applauded the move.
This decision from Samantha is a huge step forward in an industry that has long struggled with gender pay inequality. Even big names like Madhuri Dixit and Guneet Monga have called out the pay gap in the Hindi film world, while in the South, actresses like Nayanthara, Trisha, and Ramya have fought to command salaries equal to their male counterparts. But it’s still rare to see a production that commits to pay parity from the start.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu sets a powerful example for pay parity in South Indian cinema with Bangaram.Instagram/SamanthaRuthPrabhu
Nandini Reddy also opened up about the struggles female directors face. She mentioned that women in the industry are often judged far more harshly than men. “A male director can fail and still get work. But for women, every film is make or break,” she said.
Samantha’s move with Bangaram is a practical push towards change and one that could inspire more filmmakers to follow suit.
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.