Amitabh Bachchan is undeniably the undisputed thespian of Indian cinema, whose popularity cuts across generations and geographical boundaries. A majority of his movies have gained cult status over the years. They have been on a must-watch list for millions of cinephiles across the globe. His films are highly sought out for remakes as well.
And now, it has come to light that Bachchan’s 1981 blockbuster Kaalia, another classic from his angry young man era, is the latest film that writer-director Tinnu Anand has been approached to remake. Yes, you heard it absolutely right!
Though Anand is not sure if he will bankroll it himself, he confirms being approached for the remake by several filmmakers. “A lot of filmmakers have approached me for remaking Kaalia. So, yeah, but I am not sure if I will produce that remake or give away its rights to someone else to take it forward,” the writer-director tells an entertainment portal.
Also starring Parveen Babi, Asha Parekh, Amjad Khan and Kader Khan in important characters, Kaalia was one of the most successful films of the year 1981. Apart from garnering great critical acclaim, the movie went on to put up a great show at the box-office also and emerged as the 8th highest grossing Indian film of 1981.
After its successful run in Bollywood, Kaalia was remade in Kannada as Huliyaada Kaala (1984) starring Tiger Prabhakar and in Tamil as Cooliekkaran (1987). Both films turned out to be box-office hits upon their release.
Rumours are also rife that Bachchan’s 1982 blockbuster Satte Pe Satta is also getting a remake. Reportedly, choreographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan is working on the remake of the cult film. She will helm it for Rohit Shetty’s production house. However, the makers are yet to announce the project officially.
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.