Speculations are rife in Bollywood corridors that Varun Dhawan has been roped in to play the male lead in filmmaker Amar Kaushik’s next directorial offering. Kaushik, who became a creative force to reckon with after the huge success of Stree (2018) and then Bala (2019), is set to commence work on his next titled Bhediya. Producer Dinesh Vijan is bankrolling the horror-comedy under Maddock Films.
The latest update on the forthcoming project is that Shraddha Kapoor might bag the female lead role in it. If the actress manages to snag the part, it will reunite her with Varun Dhawan after Street Dancer 3D (2020).
A source in the know informs an entertainment portal, “Shraddha Kapoor is one of the top contenders for Bhediya. It is yet another horror comedy for the team after Stree and when Amar was looking for an actress to step in as the main lead opposite Varun, he approached Shraddha for the same. He has given her a narration and she has liked it. But the other modalities need to be worked out before she signs on the dotted line. The team plans to roll the film sometime in Itanagar.”
Stree, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, was one of the highest-grossing films of 2018. If Shraddha signs Bhediya on the dotted line, it will not only mark her reunion with Varun Dhawan but filmmaker Amar Kaushik also. Plus, it will be a second horror-comedy for her after Stree.
Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor is presently waiting for the commencement of successful filmmaker Luv Ranjan’s next directorial. The untitled film stars Ranbir Kapoor as the male lead. Shraddha and Ranbir are coming together for the very first time, which makes the project even more special for film enthusiasts.
Keep visiting this space for more updates from the glitzy world of Bollywood.
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.