Actor Satyajeet Dubey, who is known for films like Always Kabhi Kabhi (2011) and Baankey Ki Crazy Baraat, has been signed on to headline Star Plus’ upcoming sci-fi finite series. Titled Maharaj Ki Jai Ho, the series is directed and written by David Polycarp. Besides Satyajeet Dubey, Maharaj Ki Jai Ho also features Nitesh Pandey, Ashwin Mushran and Aakash Dhabade in important roles.
Sharing his excitement, Dubey says, “I am over the moon about this show because a show like this can be a game-changer for content. It makes me want to work hard. I feel a greater sense of responsibility towards the story. The character is a real person from today’s time but the story has a futuristic, mystical quality. Real people have reference points, this in fantasy which is hard to crack and thus requires devotion, commitment and learning. I want to try my best to understand the background of this part. It’s so damn complex that I am waiting to embark on this adventure. It is a fantastic script, one that will make people sit up and notice the sheer power of good content. It’s an intrinsically Indian story which is ambitious and grand, nothing short of a visual spectacle if made right.”
The actor is currently looking forward to the release of his next film Prassthanam wherein he plays an intense character. After Prassthanam, he wanted to do something light, and then Maharaj Ki Jai Ho landed into his lap.
“I remember I was physically and mentally exhausted after the completion of Prassthanam where I am playing this intense, angry, dark character. I wanted to do something light and fun and Maharaj Ki Jai Ho came my way. I read the initial 10 episodes and I couldn’t stop laughing. Here’s some really interesting comic writing, with the elements of time travel, sci-fi happening I saw, and the script is the backbone of any series/movie and that convinced me to go ahead and just do it without thinking twice. I think this is something extremely fresh in terms of content and audience would love it I believe,” signs off Satyajeet Dubey.
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.