Bollywood actress Yami Gautam, who was recently seen in Maddock Films’ Dasvi (2022), believes that films from the South Indian film industry are turning out to be pan-India successes as filmmakers are able to share their vision without any hurdles.
The actress said directors in the Hindi film industry still find it difficult to have a free hand when bringing their perspective on screen. “This is time to improvise and work on what we need to do,” Yami said during a session at the ongoing Goa Fest 2022 on Thursday.
The 33-year-old actor asserts producers are still interested in backing projects with big stars as they sideline story-oriented films. “My husband, Aditya (Dhar), who directed Uri, even after three years of the film's release, is working on one of his most ambitious films. But for him to explain his vision to producers... There were just two or three who understood that and are working towards it,” she said.
“The director needs more free hand in expressing their vision. We need to focus more on the story and the script... We need to straighten our priorities," the actor added.
Citing examples of the films like Baahubali franchise, KGF series, Pushpa and RRR, Yami said these films prove that producers trusted their directors and the story.
“The actors who are there (in these films) are huge stars, especially in the southern film industry, and have a pan-India audience. I don't think that it stopped them anywhere. They believed in the director's vision and went for it,” she added.
Rather than considering films from the South a competition, the actor said she is happy that stories in other languages are also becoming popular in North India. "The way they are doing great numbers at the box office. I am really happy about that," she said in conclusion.
On the work front, Yami Gautam will next be seen in Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s Lost and Umesh Shukla’s OMG 2.
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.