Sara Ali Khan, who made her acting debut with the Abhishek Kapoor-directed Kedarnath (2018), has her plate full with a number of exciting projects. Of all her upcoming films, the one which everyone is waiting for with bated breath is the official remake of the 1995 comic-caper Coolie No. 1.
Starring Govinda and Karisma Kapoor in lead roles, Coolie No. 1 has gained cult status over the years. Even after 25 years of its release, the rib-tickling comedy continues to find a huge audience on its television premieres.
In the remake, Sara is playing the same character which Karisma Kapoor essayed with panache in the original film, while Varun Dhawan will be seen stepping into the mighty shoes of Govinda. Filmmaker David Dhawan, who helmed the original film, is calling the shots for its remake as well.
Talking about starring in the remake of an extremely popular film and playing a character which Karisma played years ago, Sara Ali Khan says she is aware of the pressure. “I am of course aware of the pressure that it comes with because she (Karisma Kapoor) is such a megastar. And to be able to do justice with what she has done is going to be difficult. I have spoken with Varun about this, and I don’t think that it’s our job to take the stress of that, because if we will get bogged up about it, then we might not perform well,” says the Simmba (2018) actress.
She adds, “The original film worked because Davidji, Govindaji made the film with fun and love. So, we are considering their achievements, but we are also not pressuring ourselves and killing fun. If we didn’t make it with fun, then the audience will not connect with it”.
Coolie No. 1 is scheduled for its theatrical release on 1st May, 2020.
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.