After staying away from the spotlight for almost a decade now, Sushmita Sen is set to make her comeback to acting. But if you wish to see her in a Bollywood movie, then you may have to wait a little longer because the former beauty queen has decided to return with a web-show and not a film.
Sushmita Sen, who was last seen in the Anees Bazmee directorial No Problem (2010), is willing to explore the digital world. “I am very excited about this boom of a space where you can experiment with storytelling. I think I am more made for that than I am for a conventional setup,” said the actress.
In her recent interview with a well-known entertainment journalist, Sen revealed that she is open to exploring opportunities with both the leading streamers in India, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
“We are brainstorming with really cool companies right now for both Netflix and Amazon Prime. We are kind of creating content that I fit right into. When I say that, remember I am coming back as a newcomer. No one can today say ‘Oh, I loved her in that movie yesterday and I’d love for her to kind of stick to that’. You have forgotten everything,” added the Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) actress.
Well, Sushmita Sen is not the only Bollywood star who is gearing up to enter the web-space. In the past two years, we have seen several high-profile names jumping from the silver screen to make their debut on various OTT platforms.
The trend started by the likes of Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui with Sacred Games has gained momentum in showbiz and now a number of actors have set their eyes on digital platforms to explore newer avenues.
Recently, superstar Akshay Kumar also joined the bandwagon by announcing his digital debut with an Amazon Prime original, tentatively titled The End. Shah Rukh Khan is also producing web content for Netflix. Sushmita is set to become the latest entrant in the camp.
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.