By: Mohnish Singh
Last seen in Baaghi 3 (2020), Shraddha Kapoor has added yet another exciting project to her filmography. The talented actress has been roped in for T-Series Films’ next production venture Chaalbaaz in London. And what makes the project even more special for the Saaho (2019) star is the fact that she will play a double role for the first time in her career. Yes, you read that absolutely right!
Pankuj Parashar, who directed the 1989 film Chaalbaaz starring superstar Sridevi, has been tapped to direct Chaalbaaz in London for T-Series Films and Paper Doll Entertainment. The project is a joint production venture between Bhushan Kumar, Ahmed Khan and Shaira Khan.
Elated Shraddha Kapoor says, “I feel blessed and fortunate that the makers thought of me for Chaalbaaz In London. This will be my first ever double role and it will definitely be challenging for any actor. Although there is a huge responsibility on me, I am happy that Bhushan sir and Ahmed sir feel that I will be able to pull it off. Also, it is a great opportunity and a learning experience for me to work with Pankuj sir who has entertained us for so many years. Looking forward to this journey.”
Director Pankaj Parashar shares, "Shraddha is like magic on screen. I believe she is going to blow away audiences with her double role. For me, there is nobody better than her for a film like Chaalbaaz In London. I also want to thank Mr. Bhushan Kumar and Mr. Ahmed Khan for trusting in my vision and idea. I cannot wait to begin work on this project.”
Bhushan Kumar adds, "Chaalbaaz In London has been in the planning for some time now. I loved the storyline and quirkiness in the film's narrative. It is very commercial and modern, catering to the pan-India audience. We are happy to have Shraddha again on board. She has been a thorough professional - very dedicated and easy to work with and hence was always our first choice. Also, Shraddha fits the part really well. It will be interesting to see two different Shraddhas in one film.”
Ahmed Khan says, "Chaalbaaz In London is more like a dream project for me. Shraddha is a fabulous actor and she will play both the characters with equal ease and her comic timing is impeccable. I know how funny Shraddha can be, so she was our obvious choice and when we reached out to her, she obviously jumped at it. It has always been an absolute pleasure teaming up with Bhushanji because he is a team player who supports the team's vision completely. We have an entire schedule planned in London and are in the midst of locking actors for the other roles. This is going to be special.”
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.