The coronavirus pandemic is spreading around the world like wildfire, and India is no exception. Ever since the first COVID-19 case was detected in India, the pandemic has caused a series of cancellations, postponements, suspension and changes to Indian film industry’s schedules.
If reports are to be believed, Dharma Productions’ offering Shershaah is the latest film to join the list of movies impacted by the ongoing pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The news is coming in that filmmaker Karan Johar is looking to OTT platforms to release his much-talked-about production offering Shershaah.
Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani in lead roles, Shershaah is a biopic based on the inspirational life of Kargil martyr Vikram Batra, who was awarded with the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest and most prestigious award for valour.
“Dharma has been in talks with Netflix to sell their smaller budget ventures to them for a web premiere. They have already sold off Janhvi Kapoor starrer Gunjan Saxena and now, they are in advance discussion with the OTT platform for the Sidharth-Kiara film as well, a source in the know informs an entertainment portal.
Helmed by debutant filmmaker Vishnu Vardhan, Shershaah was schedule to hit the marquee on 3rd July. However, there is no hope that things will return to normalcy and theatres will open their doors for the public by then.
“There is no hope of people returning to theatres in a few months from now, because of the fear psychosis the situation has called for. So, it seemed more practical for the production house to put out a film like Shershaah that has been mounted on a moderate budget online,” the source goes on to add.
An official announcement is highly awaited though.
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.