There has been a huge change in the way the audience has started consuming entertainment in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. Over the past few months, the growth of OTT platforms has been phenomenal as they registered an uptick in not only subscriptions but viewing hours also among users. No one can deny the fact that this growth is going to attract many A-list Bollywood actors towards streaming media.
In times to come, we can see several Bollywood actors joining the digital bandwagon, including Shahid Kapoor. According to reports, Kapoor has inked a multi-project deal worth ₹100 crores (£1,06,35,714.90) with Netflix.
Confirming the development, a source in the know informs an entertainment portal, “Shahid has been locked for several projects for Netflix. He has signed a huge deal to the tune of ₹100 crore ((£1,06,35,714.90) with the digital streaming platform. Shahid will not only make his digital debut with a Netflix film or series but he will also be toplining different projects. One of them happens to be a concept-driven fiction series, details of which are under wraps as of now. He has already signed on the dotted line for the same.”
Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor is looking forward to resuming shoot on his highly anticipated sports drama, Jersey, which is an official remake of the superhit Telugu film of the same name.
Buzz has it that the Kabir Singh (2019) star is also in talks with producer Guneet Monga to headline the Hindi remake of her upcoming Telugu film Soorarai Pottru. An action-thriller by filmmaker Aditya Nimbalkar is also on the cards.
“It will be a mix of films and shows that he has committed to. If the Soorarai Pottru remake happens, it will be only for the web. That's the plan as of now. Apart from that, Shahid is also doing another action thriller to be directed by Aditya Nimbalkar. That also might be a direct to OTT film. Although the projects have not been completely locked, Shahid has signed the overall deal and committed to working with Netflix on several projects in the near future,” concludes the source.
Speculations are rife in the tinsel town of Bollywood that actors like Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Shraddha Kapoor too have been approached for web shows by various OTT platforms.
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.