Bollywood is set to produce yet another sequel to a popular film. We are talking about T-Series Films’ upcoming production venture Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 which is a sequel to the 2007 horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
While the original film had Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan and Shiney Ahuja fronting the cast, the sequel is going to be headlined by Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani. A couple of days ago, the makers dropped the first-look poster of the movie, which garnered mix response from viewers. The latest update on the project is that it will go before the cameras next week.
According to reports, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 begins production on the auspicious day of Dussehra on October 8. “It is an auspicious day. It will be a brief two to three-day schedule in Mumbai with Kartik”, a source informs a publication.
The source goes on to add that the first schedule will take place with Kartik Aaryan alone, while the lead actress of the film, Kiara Advani, will be joining the cast in the second schedule which begins early next year. “The second schedule will kick-off early next year with Kiara also jumping into the maze,” adds the source.
Well-known filmmaker Anees Bazmee will direct Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. He is currently awaiting the release of his much-awaited comic-caper Pagalpanti, starring John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Kriti Kharbanda and Ileana D’Cruz in the principal cast. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is expected to wrap up by March next year as the makers are eyeing for July 2020 release. An official release date is yet to be booked.
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.