Bollywood is known to follow trends. If a certain genre yields profits at the ticket window, you can expect hundreds of other filmmakers jumping on the bandwagon and making films revolving around the same genre.
The latest trend that seems to have caught the fancy of many Hindi filmmakers is churning out politically-charged films, eulogizing certain political figures. Not only filmmakers, but many leading actors are also showing great interest in headlining such ventures.
After The Accidental Prime Minister (2019), Mere Pyare Prime Minister and, of course, the much-publicized upcoming film, PM Narendra Modi, the audience will soon see talented actress Vidya Balan playing a great political leading in an upcoming digital series.
Yes, you heard that right! After a lot of speculations, the National Film Award-winning has finally confirmed that she is gearing up to play former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in her biopic. The biopic is being made as a digital series.
Confirming the news, the Kahaani (2012) actress said, "I am trying to do a web-series which will be based on the life of Indira Gandhiji. As of now, we are trying to do it, but let's see how it takes shape."
She went on to add, "So, it takes a lot of time. But when I will do it, I will make sure that it turns out really well."
On Bollywood front, Vidya Balan will next be seen in the R. Balki-produced sci-fi film, Mission Mangal. Helmed by debutant Jagan Shakti, the much-awaited film also stars Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen, Sharman Joshi and Kirti Kulhari in prominent characters.
Mission Mangal is scheduled to arrive on 15th August, 2019.
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.