Mythological show Santoshi Maa, featuring actress Gracy Singh in the title role, was one of the top-rated daily soaps on &TV. It premiered on November 30, 2015, and wrapped up on 20 October 2017, after a run of two successful years.
The latest we hear that producer Rashmi Sharma is working on the new season of the successful mythological show. While Santoshi Maa featured Gracy Singh and Ratan Rajput in lead roles, the upcoming season will boast of a completely new cast. However, it will follow a similar storyline to the original, blending mythology and drama. It is reported that the team has already begun work on the show.
Incidentally, Rashmi Sharma is also working on a new mythological series for Star Bharat. Titled Jagjanani Maa Vaishno Devi, the show stars Madirakshi Mundle, Hrishikesh Pandey and Toral Rasputra in lead roles. It will be the second mythological show for talented actress Madirakshi Mundle after Star Plus’ Siya Ke Ram, which made her a household name.
Mythological shows have done wonders for several general entertainment channels in recent times. Today, almost every channel is running one or two such shows. We hope that the second season of Santoshi Maa works wonder for &TV, which has been struggling with falling TRPs for quite some now.
The channel has tried its best to improve ratings by launching one show after another. However, none of the newly launched shows has helped it strengthen its position in the highly competitive space. We hope that the second season of Santoshi Maa turns the fortunes of the channel.
More details on the show are awaited to arrive soon.
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.