After starring together in many films, award-winning actors Tannishtha Chatterjee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are set to team up once again, however, their new project will mark the directorial debut of the former.
Tannishtha Chatterjee, who has been a part of a series of critically acclaimed films, is set to turn director with the upcoming movie, which will be produced by Eros International, Rising Star Entertainment, Pankaj Razdan and Ravi Walia.
Talking about the film, Nawazuddin said in a statement, “Tannishtha and I have known each other for a long time. We have worked in a number of films as co-actors over the years. During all these films we have shared many exchanges about our favourite films stories et cetera. We share a wonderful creative rapport. So, it is only natural that we collaborate further. When we were shooting for Lion, Tannishtha told me a story which she had experienced herself. It really intrigued me, and I thought we should make a film of it. The idea started from there. We kept meeting and talking about it. And now here we are actually ready to execute that idea".
Director Tannishtha Chatterjee added, “Nawaz and I share the most vibrant creative discussions. Over the years we have discussed our favourite films, music, stories. We have travelled to many festivals together. Our national award also came together. Through so many years of creative sharing, we thought it is almost an organic culmination that we now tell a story which is ours – as in the kind of films we like to watch. During the shooting of Lion, I told Nawaz about a fantastic English book that I always wanted to adapt. And we discussed that for a long time. Then I experienced a very strange incident in one of my travels. I came back, and I told him about it. He was really intrigued, and we decided – yes that is the story to make. We will probably adapt that book some other time.”
The untitled film mounts the floor next year.
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.