2019 has turned out to be an extremely fruitful year for actress Shraddha Kapoor. Aside from wrapping up some exciting projects, she has also delivered two back-to-back blockbusters at the box-office. We are talking about her recent releases Saaho and, of course, Chhichhore, which set the cash counter on fire.
The talented actress impressed the audience with her jaw-dropping action sequences in Saaho, which also featured Prabhas in the lead role. Just a week later released her next film Chhichhore, which also touched millions of hearts all over the world and set the cash registers jingling.
Though Saaho and Chhichhore both films have emerged as commercially successful ventures, what is surprising for Shraddha Kapoor is the astounding success of the former despite being panned by almost all critics.
Saaho, directed by Sujeeth, has done a whopping business of more than Rs 400 crore at the worldwide box office, though critics despised the film like anything. Recently, when Shraddha was asked about the negative reviews the movie garnered and subsequent box-office collection, she said that when the reviews came out on Friday, she thought that the movie won’t work. She added that she was shocked that while the reviews were negative, the audience was pouring in love on the film.
“Then I told myself that just wait and watch what happens. So, one end you have these two differences and the film is ultimately doing well. It's been my highest grosser till date. So, it's like I mean, how do you know what's going to connect with the audiences?” said Shraddha.
The actress added that the audience’s verdict is the final verdict. “I feel like the ultimate people, the ones who give the result, is the audience. At the end of the day, they are the ones who buy a ticket and go watch your film and they are the bosses. So, if they love the film then who can question anything?” concluded the actress.
Shraddha Kapoor will next be seen in Remo D’Souza’s much-awaited film Street Dancer 3D opposite Varun Dhawan. She has also started shooting for the third instalment of the much-loved action franchise Baaghi. Besides Kapoor, Baaghi 3 also stars Tiger Shroff in the lead role. Ahmed Khan is directing the actioner, set to release in 2020.
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.