Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor will return as the brand ambassador for Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival's market initiative ‘Word to Screen’.
The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is back with its on-ground edition after a gap of three years. It will take place from October 27 to November 5 in Mumbai.
'Word to Screen' is an options market that offers a unique platform to writers, publishers, and filmmakers to engage and option stories for various film formats, according to the organisers.
A first-of-its-kind initiative, Word to Screen, was launched in 2016 by Jio MAMI and has since served as a dynamic and inclusive platform that explores the synergy between the power of the written word and the magic of cinema.
Kapoor, known for films like Neerja, Veere Di Wedding, and Aisha, said the 'Word to Screen' initiative can be a great platform for narrating compelling stories.
“As actors, we are constantly looking for compelling, disruptive, and engaging stories that touch the hearts of the people. By supporting a platform like Word to Screen, I am taking a step towards ensuring the industry benefits from this initiative and that we tell a lot more meaningful stories to our audience.
"As a voracious reader, I understand the power of an incredible story and how a well-written book can form the backbone of a compelling film narrative,” the 38-year-old actor said in a statement.
Kapoor would announce nominations for the Book on Cinema award at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival event. She urged publishers, writers, and creators to make the most of this platform.
"I am excited to discuss the power of the story in cinema with authors and filmmakers at the event, exchange ideas, and hopefully be a catalyst to contribute to our industry that has given me so much,” she said.
As per the press statement, some of the books that have been optioned out of the Word to Screen market include Bhujia Barons by Pavitra Kumar, Indira by Sagarika Ghose, the Inspector Saralkar series by Salil Desai, Strangers to Ourselves by Shashi Deshpande, The Ivory Throne by Manu S Pillai, The Spectacular Miss by Sonia Bahl, How I Became A Farmer’s Wife by Yashodhara Lal, and Cold Truth by Nikhil Pradhan.
Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, Jio MAMI, said she is excited to welcome Kapoor back as the brand ambassador for ‘Word to Screen’ and is hopeful that the actor will help take this platform to new heights.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 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.