By Murtuza Iqbal
It’s Valentine’s Day today, and mostly every year a Bollywood film releases during this time. However, this year, we don’t have any movie releasing during the Valentine’s Day weekend.
But well, it’s a day to spend with your special one, and that’s why we have decided to list down 5 romantic films that you binge-watch today with your loved one…
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
If we talk about romantic films in Bollywood, we have to start the list with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The eternal love story of Raj & Simran is just a perfect watch for Valentine’s Day.
Veer-Zaara
Yash Chopra’s Veer-Zaara is a beautiful cross-border love story. We felt the pain when Veer and Zaara were separated, and we were happy when they met in the climax. Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta’s chemistry was top notch in the movie.
Love Aaj Kal
Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal is undoubtedly one of the best romantic films made in Bollywood. The movie showcased the romance in two different eras and it surely impressed one and all. Also, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone were amazing in the movie.
2 States
If you don’t want to watch mature romantic movies and want to watch something like a college romance, then 2 States is the film for you. Well, the movie had the perfect amount of drama in the second half, but the first half is all about love.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan
Last on the list, we have a movie for our LGBTQ friends. Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar starrer Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan would be a perfect watch this Valentine’s Day. The rom-com was about two guys who were in a relationship, and how the family of one of the guys finds it difficult to accept their son’s sexuality and relationship.
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.