After the dismal performance of his 2018 release Zero, Shah Rukh Khan did not sign any film. Taking a hiatus from acting, the superstar decided to spend some quality time with his family and also focus on the expansion of his production house Red Chillies Entertainment.
In the past few months, SRK has produced three webseries for leading streaming media giant Netflix. While his maiden digital production Bard of Blood, featuring Emraan Hashmi, Vineet Kumar Singh and Kirti Kulhari, is scheduled to start streaming on 27th September, Class of 83 and Betaal are at various stages of development.
While fans were happy to know that their favourite superstar was spending time with his family and also expanding the footprint of his production house, they equally missed him on celluloid. But the good news is coming in that he has finally signed his next film. Yes, you heard it absolutely right!
According to an entertainment website, Shah Rukh Khan has teamed up with hit filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar for an out-and-out action entertainer which will enter theatres in 2020. Zafar has previously helmed such blockbusters as Sultan (2016), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Bharat (2019), all featuring megastar Salman Khan in lead roles.
"Shah Rukh has signed a big actioner which will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Shah Rukh wanted to take up an action-oriented subject as his next and he is finally got the perfect script. The film is going to be mounted on a giant scale and will be one of the biggest films to hit screens in 2020," a source divulges.
The source goes on to add, "The superstar has always been fond of Ali's work and feels he brings out the right mix of action and emotion in his films. On the other hand, Ali has always wanted to collaborate with Shah Rukh. Their union was waiting to happen and it's finally happening now."
Reportedly, Yash Raj Films is backing the untitled film. "Ali has launched his own production and will be busy with Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday starrer Khali Peeli. It's only after that he will roll out with the film with Shah Rukh. Currently, they have discussed the concept and SRK has given his nod. Ali is readying the script. Nothing else is known about the film as of now," the source concludes.
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.