By: Mohnish Singh
After the roaring success of Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020), Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu has joined forces with hit filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas for an upcoming film. To be produced by S. Radha Krishna under the banner of Haarika and Hassine Creations, the yet-to-be-titled film marks the reunion of Babu and Srinivas after a massive gap of 11 years as the duo last worked together on the 2010 film Khaleja.
While fans eagerly await the release of the film, we have got our hands on an important update on the casting of the film. A publication reports that Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty is in consideration to play a pivotal part in the film. Reportedly, the makers are keen to have the actress onboard for a role very crucial to the storyline. However, there is no official word confirming the same.
Announcing the film recently on Twitter, the makers had tweeted, “The combo that everyone is waiting for is finally here! After 11 long years, superstar Mahesh Babu Garu and Trivikram Garu will team up again for SSMB28, produced by S. Radha Krishna (Chinababu) Garu under Haarika and Hassine Creations banner. In theatres Summer 2022.”
Meanwhile, Shilpa Shetty is waiting for the release of her next Hindi film titled Hungama 2. As the title aptly suggests, the film is a sequel to the 2003 comic caper Hungama. In addition to Shetty, the Priyadarshan directorial also stars Meezaan Jaffrey, Pranitha Subhash, and veteran actor Paresh Rawal in important roles.
Mahesh Babu, on the other hand, will next be seen in Sarkaru Vaari Paata, directed by Parasuram. The shooting of the film is currently on hold due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.