Shilpa Shetty’s last film as a lead was the 2007 release Apne. The actress later featured in dance numbers like films like Dostana (2008) and Dishkiyaoon (2014), and she has been judging many reality shows.
However, now, she is all set to make her acting comeback with Hungama 2 which is slated to release on Disney+ Hotstar on 23rd July 2021.
Recently, while talking to PTI, Shilpa revealed that she was offered 'some major stuff' in Hollywood, but refused to star in it as she didn’t want to shift her base from Mumbai to Los Angeles.
She said, "My son was extremely upset with me because I was offered some major stuff even in Hollywood, but I said no to it. To just shift base from Mumbai and settle in Los Angeles is really not my cup of tea."
"I'm clear about what I want. I love doing work here. It's a great opportunity lost, but I'm so happy with whatever I have. I'd be so unhappy to just leave my family and shift gears so drastically. It's too much to give and I don't think I was ready for that. Maybe once my kids are 15, then I would (consider) if I still look this way!" the actress added.
Shilpa’s fans will get to see her in a movie after a gap of 14 years, and the actress says that it was a conscious decision to take a break.
She said, "I had reached a saturation point, which happens to a lot of artistes. After Life in a Metro and Apne, people started offering me the same kind of roles. They were not really interesting and I stayed away and took that sabbatical."
One of the reasons for the break was also her family. Shilpa welcomed her first child, Viaan, in 2012, and the actress says that she decided to dedicate all her time to her son.
The actress said, "Soon after, I had Viaan. I had decided when I would have my first child, I would dedicate all my time to the baby. I was told the first seven years of a child are extremely important, they are highly impressionable. So I made that time. My family was, is, and will continue to be my first priority."
"That's why it has taken me 14 years to say yes (to a film). My son is now nine, I feel he doesn't need me as much. My daughter does. But I'm thankful to be in a position to say yes to only those few things that I really want to do and be in a position to balance my personal and professional life," she added.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Hungama 2 also stars Paresh Rawal, Meezaan Jafri, and Pranitha Subhash.
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.