If we talk about one of the most celebrated onscreen couples of Bollywood, we just cannot complete the list without mentioning Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, an iconic pairing nobody can hold a candle to. We love to see them romance onscreen as they make us fall in love with them as their characters fall in love with each other.
The two have shown their magical chemistry in a number of successful movies including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Karan Arjun (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and My Name Is Khan (2010). And if reports are to be believed, the hit duo is set to share the screen space once again.
Speculations have been rife lately that Shah Rukh Khan has given his nod to star in filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani’s next. The makers are expected to make an official announcement soon. The latest we hear that Kajol has been approached to play the romantic lead opposite Khan in the untitled project.
A trade source informs an entertainment portal, “While there have been reports that Kareena Kapoor Khan has been signed, the filmmaker is apparently keen to cast the Shah Rukh-Kajol pair together in his next movie after Sanju (2018). It’s an exciting combination and while the director has worked with Kareena before in 3 Idiots (2009), he is keen to cast Kajol as Hirani hasn’t worked with her before.”
The source goes on to add, “It’s a mature, intense love story of a couple who discovers love again and both Hirani and SRK are keen for Kajol to come onboard for this project. Apparently, Shah Rukh has told her about the concept and she has loved it. The script is still being finalised and while it will take some time before a proper narration happens and the modalities are worked out, Kajol may do the movie. Shah Rukh and she last worked together in Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale (2015) and both share an excellent box-office track of blockbusters, whereas Kareena’s movies with SRK haven’t done as well. If Kajol and Shah Rukh appear together in a Hirani movie, it will probably be the announcement of the year. The explosive combo of SRK-Kajol-Hirani will be a treat to watch!”
Meanwhile, Kajol is basking in the huge success of her latest film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020). The historical drama has set the box-office on fire ever since hitting the marquee on 10th January, 2020.
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.