Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao is set to portray former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in a much-anticipated biopic. Ganguly himself confirmed the news during a recent media interaction in Bardhaman, West Bengal. However, he also mentioned that scheduling conflicts might delay the film’s release by over a year.
Speaking about the project, Ganguly said, "From what I’ve heard, Rajkummar Rao will play the role. But there are issues with dates, so it will take some time before the film hits the screens." The announcement has stirred excitement among cricket and cinema fans alike, eager to see how Rao will bring the story of one of India’s most celebrated cricketers to life.
Getty Images Sourav Ganguly celebrates after dismissing Pakistan’s Rameez Raja in the Sahara Cup final, Toronto
The biopic will trace Ganguly’s journey from his early days in cricket to leading the Indian national team. Known as the "Prince of Kolkata," Ganguly was instrumental in shaping modern Indian cricket. With 113 Test matches and 311 ODIs under his belt, he scored over 18,000 international runs and played a key role in India’s 2003 World Cup campaign. Post-retirement, he took on administrative roles, serving as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and later the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Rajkumar Rao, known for his versatile acting, has a reputation for bringing depth and authenticity to his roles. His portrayal of Ganguly is expected to capture the cricketer’s aggressive leadership, resilience, and personal struggles. While further details about the director and production team remain undisclosed, the film is expected to delve deep into Ganguly’s impact on Indian cricket.
Getty Images Rajkummar Rao gears up to portray Sourav Ganguly – A biopic capturing the legacy of the cricket icon
Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao has a packed schedule with multiple films in the pipeline. His next release, Bhool Chuk Maaf, co-starring Wamiqa Gabbi, is a time-loop comedy set in Varanasi. Directed by Karan Sharma, it is slated for release on April 10, 2025. Additionally, he will star in Maalik, a gangster drama hitting theatres on June 20, 2025. Apart from acting, Rao has also ventured into production, launching a new project titled Toaster on Netflix.
With excitement building around Ganguly’s biopic, fans will have to wait a little longer to see how Rajkummar Rao transforms into the legendary cricketer on the big screen.
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.