By: Mohnish Singh
Starring Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan in the lead roles, The Immortal Ashwatthama is one of the most awaited forthcoming films. What makes the project hugely anticipated is the fact that it reunites Kaushal with director Aditya Dhar and producer Ronnie Screwvala after the runaway success of Uri: The Surgical Strike in 2019.
The latest update on The Immortal Ashwatthama is that the high-profile film will go before cameras in the month of August in Ukraine, followed by several other international locations.
A source in the know informs a leading publication, “The first schedule of the film will begin in Ukraine, after which it will be shot at other multiple international locations. Aditya is currently in the stage of finalising his other shooting spots. Meanwhile, Vicky has started prepping for the film, and Sara will begin with her preparations in April.”
Sara Ali Khan, who made her acting debut with Abhishek Kapoor’s Kedarnath (2018), will share the screen space with Vicky Kaushal for the first time. The audience is excited to see this fresh pairing on celluloid.
We also hear that not just Kaushal, the Coolie No. 1 (2020) actress will also do some hardcore action sequences in the upcoming film. To nail them, she is set to learn a few forms of martial arts, including MMA.
Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal is presently shooting for Yash Raj Films’ next with Manushi Chhillar. Vijay Krishna Acharya is calling the shots. The actor is also waiting for the release of filmmaker Shoojit Sircar’s next directorial Sardar Udham. Sara Ali Khan, on the other hand, has finished shooting for Aanand L Rai’s next Atrangi Re, co-starring Akshay Kumar, and Dhanush. The film is poised for its theatrical release on August 6, 2021.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.