Acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose filmography boasts of several successful blockbusters inspired by historical events such as Padmaavat (2018) and Bajirao Mastani (2015), said that he begins work on any film by filming a song first.
“I start with making a song. When the song falls into place, then I imagine the whole song unfolds,” said the filmmaker.
Music has always been one of the major highlights of Bhansali’s films. Talking about the importance of music in his film, he said, “Music is a very important part of my films. There are a lot of people who feel every film does not have to have music, which is right. I mean there are very important socially relevant films that are made. You do not need music (in them), but I need music. I have grown up listening to music and that is it.”
He further added, “So music starts… that is my research, imagination of how that music would happen, of how this woman would look, how well does she talk, what is the dialogue, is the dialogue inspiring me, are the dramatic scenes inspiring me, are the dramatic scenes inspiring me. I feel bored about a lot of people who say, I did a lot of research, it is my take on it and they are right in the way they do it and that is how it should be done. But I just think I start taking off and floating.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is currently in news for his magnum opus series Heeramandi. The filmmaker will make his streaming debut with the Netflix web series starring Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in prominent roles.
“Moin Beg came to me with this idea 14 years ago but every time I was making other films such as Devdas (2002), Bajirao Mastani. He said, ‘Can you give me my script back?’ Finally, it got made. In Heeramandi, I have done things with which I have surprised myself,” said the filmmaker.
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.