Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the best directors we have in Indian cinema. He started his journey as an assistant director, and in the year 1996, he made his directorial debut with Khamoshi: The Musical which starred Manisha Koirala, Salman Khan, Nana Patekar, and Seema Biswas.
On Monday (09), Khamoshi completed 25 years of its release which means Bhansali also completed 25 years in the industry. To celebrate this achievement Bhansali Productions shared a video and tweeted, “Each passing day has been an onset of a new beginning. A journey of a thousand miles wouldn’t have been possible without each one of you. As we celebrate #25YearsOfSLB, we relive every moment of curating these handmade films just for you. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.”
In the video, we get to see a montage from Bhansali’s movies, and at the end, there’s a quote by the filmmaker which reads, “I have enjoyed every minute of making films these 25 years and still a long way to go.”
In these 25 years, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has directed films like Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Saawariya, Guzaarish, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat. His next release will be Gangubai Kathiawadi which stars Alia Bhatt in the lead role.
Ajay Devgn, who has worked with Bhansali in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Gangubai Kathiawadi, took to Twitter to congratulate the filmmaker. He tweeted, “Hey Sanjay, Congratulations on your silver jubilee. Your contribution to films is unparalleled. And, I love working with you because your passion & dedication is infectious. Will keenly await several more milestones that are meant for you https://youtu.be/eVa2-UkDJRc @bhansali_produc.”
Deepika Padukone, who has worked with the filmmaker in three movies, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat, also shared a note on her Instagram story which read, “9th NOVEMBER 2007. My debut film Om Shant Om was pitted against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. And as grateful as I was (And I still am... I cannot think of another female actor who has been launched in the same manner as I was), I also remember thinking to myself at the same time, that I would never be good enough..to be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali muse. Fast forward to 2012. I was extremely unwell and laid up in bed. I received a call from my management saying ''Sanjay Leela Bhansali wants to meet you''. I said, ''What?!. They said, ''Yes! He is doing a film and would really like to meet you''. ''I would do cartwheels to go and see him right away, but I can't get out of my bed right now!'' I said. The next thing I know, he was on his way to see me!”
It further read, “What ensued in the years that followed was nothing short of an 'iconic partnership' I believe. And together we've created 'iconic characters'. Characters that have been etched in the minds and hearts of people forever! What I cherish even more though is the influence our collaboration has done on me personally. I say this without a shadow of a doubt that I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it wasn't for Sanjay Leela Bhansali! As he embarks on the next phase of this most incredible journey, I look forward to creating many more iconic characters together, but more importantly, I wish him good health, peace of mind, and happiness…always!”
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.