After staying in lockdown for more than two months, India has started lifting restrictions in some parts of the country. The Maharashtra government has permitted the reopening of several sectors, including film and TV production. Film and TV shootings will soon resume in the state in compliance with the guidelines laid down by the government.
According to reports, Yash Raj Films’ big tentpole offering Shamshera is set to become one of the first movies to commence shooting in Mumbai. Reportedly, Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt, who topline the project, are gearing up to complete the patchwork of the film at YRF Studios.
The cast had completed the principal shoot of the film a few weeks before the nationwide lockdown was announced towards the end of March. Making the most of the lockdown period, the team of the film, including filmmaker Karan Malhotra, worked from home on post-production.
Karan and producer Aditya Chopra have decided to erect the sets inside YRF Studios and complete the patchwork for the film with a limited crew. The team is waiting to receive approval from the Producers' Guild Of India before going on with the shoot. The makers have also sought permission from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees in order to allow the daily wagers resume work.
In addition to Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt, Shamshera also stars Vaani Kapoor in the lead role. The actress had wrapped up her shoot in January earlier this year. The Yash Raj Films’ venture stars Vaani in the role of a drop-dead gorgeous dancer. The actress, whose prowess in dance is known to one and all, is quite keyed up about the forthcoming film and her character in it.
Shamshera is set to arrive in cinemas on 21st August, 2020.
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.