By: Mohnish Singh
Renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, whose filmography includes several blockbusters such as Ghulam (1998), Raaz (2002), and 1920 (2008) to name just a few, is presently working on his next directorial offering, an eight-episode streaming show.
The show, which went on floors in the month of October, was earlier titled Dirty Games. But it has just gone for a title change. The show has now been rechristened as Bisaat: Khel Shatranj Ka. Sandeepa Dhar and Omkar Kapoor front the lead cast.
Talking about the title change, Bhatt says, “There was nothing dirty about Dirty Games, to begin with. Dirty Games was about the games people play. But there was a perception that dirty means sexually dirty or something worse and that’s not what the show is. Secondly, in the age of OTT going right, it perhaps was a wrong signal. So now, the title is Bisaat: Khel Shatranj Ka.”
Adding to it, he says, “Basically, Bisaat means a chessboard. Since the show is about twists and turns and people's minds ticking like a game of chess, it was just apt.”
The story of the forthcoming show revolves around a psychiatrist who gets caught in the middle of a murder. Apart from calling the shots, Bhatt has also written the show. Krishna Bhatt is bankrolling it under the banner of Loneranger.
In addition to Omkar Kapoor and Sandeepa Dhar, Bisaat: Khel Shatranj Ka also features Khaled Siddiqui, Samay Thakkar, Vyas Hemang, Trishaan Singh Maini, Tanvi Thakkar, Coral Bhamra, Ashwin Kaushal, and Prakash Jha on its ensemble cast.
The nail-biting thriller is set to stream on MX Player soon.
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.