Last year, it was announced that Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda will be seen in a movie titled 14 Phere. The film was slated to hit the big screens on 9th July 2021. But now, it will be getting a direct-to-digital release on Zee5.
Kriti took to Twitter to make an announcement about it. She tweeted, “2x drama combined with 2x chaos equals dhamakedaar entertainment! #14Phere coming this July, only on #ZEE5 @KDevanshuSingh @VikrantMassey @GAUAHAR_KHAN @priyanshu84 @ActorJameel @ZEE5India @ZeeStudios_”
While talking about the movie, in a statement the actress said, “I remember the first time I read the script of 14 Phere, it was everything I was looking for! Drama, emotion, relatability, and a strong character. Aditi has become a part of my personality in more ways than one! I can’t wait for the audiences to watch the story unfold on ZEE5! Imagine the drama and chaos of a typical Indian wedding, and then multiply that by two. The viewers are surely in for a joyride.”
“14 Phere is filled with drama, comedy, quirkiness, and a lot more. It will definitely be a great watch for families who can watch it together. It is highly relatable, and I hope the viewers thoroughly enjoy themselves when it premieres on ZEE5,” Vikrant added.
14 Phere is directed by Devanshu Singh. The filmmaker stated, “After Chintu Ka Birthday, I was looking for a script that resonated with my sensibilities. Manoj Kalwani's 14 Phere is all of that and much more. It's an engaging story. A roller coaster ride that has its heart in the right place. It's a family entertainer with songs and values. I am very positive about the film warming hearts and making our audience smile. Excited for everyone to watch 14 Phere on ZEE5.”
The movie also stars Gauahar Khan in a pivotal role.
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.