Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, whose last offering The Tashkent Files (2019) ran for over 50 days and turned out to be a sleeper hit at the box-office, is set to bring forth yet another thought-provoking film. Titled The Kashmir Files, the movie is based on the biggest genocide in India’s history- ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits.
Vivek Agnihotri, who is currently in the US interviewing victims, survivors and their family members who lost everything in the genocide, has roped in talented actor Anupam Kher to play an important role in The Kashmir Files.
Confirming the same, the director says in his statement: “When I started researching, meeting, and listening to Kashmiri Hindu community, I realised that their story of loss and suffering is so painful that if this story has to be told, it must be told by the greatest of actors of our times to bring the realism, conviction, and sensibility that heals the community. My first choice was Anupam Kher. It’s a coincidence that he happens to be a Kashmiri himself, and I am so proud and happy that when he heard the script in his New York home, he agreed to act in this very important film of our times. I hope that the audience will see a dimension of Mr. Kher that we haven’t seen so far.”
Meanwhile, Anupam Kher can be currently seen in international film Hotel Mumbai (2019), based on the deadly 2008 Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India. Besides Kher, the film also stars Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Jason Isaacs, Nazanin Boniadi, Suhail Nayyar and Nagesh Bhosle. Hotel Mumbai, directed by Anthony Maras, has received positive response from critics as well as audiences.
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.