A couple of days ago, we had reported a story about KriArj Entertainment acquiring the remake rights of the classic Bollywood film Woh Kaun Thi (1964). If latest updates are to be believed, producers Prernaa Arora and Arjun N Kapoor have roped in Shahid Kapoor to headline the untitled project. If reports of Kapoor signing the film are true, he will be seen essaying the character which was originally played by veteran Manoj Kumar.
Reportedly, KriArj Entertainment has also bought the rights to recreate two iconic songs Naina Barse Rim Jim and Lag Ja Gale from the movie. Both songs were rendered by the living legend, Lata Mangeshkar and are popular to date.
“The minute we acquired the remake rights we thought of the songs. These two songs from the backbone of Woh Kaun Thi. The film cannot be imagined without those songs. Also, it is a classic timeless film with the epitome of beauty Sadhanaji, Lataji and the great actor Manoj Kumar who are true legends. This is the mark of respect and attribute to them and the kind of film we had in that era,” Prernaa Arora said while talking about the acquisition of the songs.
Woh Kaun Thi featured iconic Bollywood actress Sadhana in the lead role. While Sahid Kapoor’s name is being tossed around for the male lead, it will be interesting to see who the makers cast to step into the mighty shoes of Sadhana.
Meanwhile, Shahid is currently shooting for KriArj Entertainment’s another production, titled Batti Gul Meter Chalu. Also featuring Shraddha Kapoor and Yami Gautam, the social issue-driven film is being helmed by Toilet Ek Prem Katha fame Shree Narayan Singh.
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.