Dharma Productions is presently gearing up for the release of their much-anticipated film Jug Jugg Jeeyo, starring Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, and Neetu Kapoor. On Sunday, the makers dropped the theatrical trailer of the film. While the audience seems to have loved the trailer, the makers have landed themselves into trouble due to a song that features in it. Pakistani politician and singer Abrar Ul Haq has accused Karan Johar of stealing his song ‘Nach Punjaban’. He has even threatened to take legal action to claim damages.
“I have not sold my song ‘Nach Punjaban’ to any Indian movie and reserve the rights to go to court to claim damages. Producers like @karanjohar should not use copy songs. This is my 6th song being copied which will not be allowed at all. @DharmaMovies @karanjohar,” Haq wrote on Twitter.
Responding to his accusations, music label T-Series released a statement, “We have legally acquired the rights to adapt the song 'Nach Punjaban' released on iTunes on 1st January 2002 & available on Lollywood Classics' YouTube Channel, owned by @1Moviebox, for Jug Jugg Jeeyo produced by @DharmaMovies."
The song 'Nach Punjaban' features in the trailer of the film. Karan Johar, who is bankrolling the venture under Dharma Productions, had shared the trailer on Sunday. “Come experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind parivaar and let the emotions envelope you into a group hug! It's going to be one of the biggest family reunions ever and YOU are invited!" he wrote in the caption.
Directed by Raj Mehta, Jug Jugg Jeeyo is scheduled to enter cinemas on June 24, 2022.
Headed by celebrated filmmaker Karan Johar, Dharma Productions is one of the leading moviemaking studios operating in India. The prestigious banner has produced a string of notable films over the years, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Ghum (2001), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
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.