After staying away from movies for more than a decade now, popular Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is set to stage her comeback in Bollywood. The actress, who was last seen in the Anil Sharma directorial Apne (2007), has confirmed that she is returning to sizzle the silver screen once again with the upcoming film titled Nikamma.
Though Shetty has been away from Bollywood for quite a long time now, she regularly appeared on television as the judge on Sony Entertainment Television’s popular dance reality show Super Dancer. After judging three successful seasons of the hit show along with choreographer Geeta Kapoor and filmmaker Anurag Basu, the actress is now coming back to films.
Shilpa Shetty has been roped in for action entertainer Nikamma. The actress will play a pivotal part in the film which will be helmed by filmmaker Sabbir Khan. The movie, which was officially announced a couple of weeks ago, also stars Abhimanyu Dassani and famous YouTube singer Shirley Sethia in lead roles.
Giving her fans a big surprise, Shilpa Shetty announced her comeback after 13 long years through a social media post. “Yes, it’s true! My sabbatical of 13 long years comes to an end. I am so excited to announce that the film you will see me next in is Nikamma, directed by Sabbir Khan (cast still being finalised) featuring these amazing and talented actors Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley Sethia. Need all your blessings and thank you for all the love always.”
She also told an Indian English daily, “It feels great. I am ready to take the plunge again. It’s a refreshing and unique project, and I am looking forward to working with Sabbir. I loved my role as it’s something that I have never attempted before. I can’t wait for the audience to see me in a new avatar,” concluded the actress.
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.