Starring Alia Bhatt in the title role, Gangubai Kathiawadi is one of the most-awaited films of 2020. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the period drama is currently being shot in Mumbai amid tight security. But do you know that Alia Bhatt was not the first choice for the character of the Gangubai in the movie?
Yes, contrary to what many may think, Alia Bhatt was not the first choice of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his upcoming directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi. The filmmaker reportedly wanted to cast his favourite actress Deepika Padukone. However, a source informs a publication, Padukone was hesitant about essaying the role of a lady gangster in quick succession.
For the uninitiated, Deepika Padukone had already been lined up to play a gangster in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Sapna Didi with Irrfan Khan. However, the project failed to materialize due to the poor health condition of Khan. After Sapna Didi got shelved, Padukone would have happily returned to Gangubai Kathiawadi. She was also keen on co-producing the film with Bhansali.
“But he was not ready to do that. They parted amicably over the issue. That is how Alia came into the project. But Bhansali cannot live too far away from Deepika’s territory. She will be back in his cinema with his next Baiju Bawra,” adds the source.
Gangubai Kathiawadi is slated for its theatrical bow on 11th September, 2020.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone, who was last seen in Chhapaak (2020), is gearing up to start shooting for her next film. Produced by Dharma Productions, the untitled romantic drama also features Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday in lead roles. Kapoor & Sons (2016) fame Shakun Batra will call the shots.
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.