The 8-episode series, created by Ekta Kapoor, will premiere on ZEE5 Global on 28th January, 2022.
In 2009, ZEE TV and Ekta Kapoor curated a show titled Pavitra Rishtawhich ran for 5 long years on the channel and made Archana Deshmukh and Manav Deshmukh an iconic couple everyone looked up to. The show lived in the hearts of the fans for many years so much so that Ekta Kapoor and ZEE5 Global, the largest streaming platform for South Asian content, decided to keep the legacy on by renewing the show as a streaming series, and naming it Pavitra Rishta… It’s Never Too Late.
While Ankita Lokhande reprised her role of Archana Deshmukh, Shaheer Sheikh stepped into the shoes of Manav Deshmukh and together they captured people’s hearts and minds. The new season of the series is set to premiere on 28th January.
Season 2 is centred around Manav and Archana, and how their marriage, which was based on a sham, falls apart only for them to realise that their Pavitra Rishta was never bound by just vows and responsibilities. It was in fact woven with love and faith so strong that even destiny had to re-write its plan for them. As seen in the trailer, Manav and Archana’s story in season 2 starts from where their marriage ended, and they went their individual way only to cross paths time and again. While they never stopped loving each other and waiting for each other, will they find their way back to each other as lovers and soulmates?
Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global, said, “The half a decade legacy created by Pavitra Rishta has given rise to much fandom for the show across the globe. After the huge response received on the first season of the renewal, we are delighted to bring to audiences the new season of the series. The story of Manav and Archana has struck a chord across viewers in 190+ countries, and we look forward to bringing them their favourite couple again to their personal screens with Season 2.”
Ankita Lokhande said, “Shooting for Pavitra Rishta is like coming home as Archana’s character feels like a second skin to me. This show changed my life back in the days and this time around too, it has proven extremely lucky for me as it has reinstated my faith in love, second chances and that it’s never too late. So, it gives me immense joy to announce that your favourite show is back with a new season, 8 fresh episodes, the same old Archana-Manav chemistry, and renewed drama. We hope that you feel the love we felt while shooting for this series”.
Shaheer Sheikh said, “I was stepping into unknown shoes in the first season but the love from the fans made me realise that there is a Manav in me. Manav's innocence and relatability struck a chord with many hearts, and I hope that the viewers continue to love and accept him in the new season".
Actor turned producer Bhairavi Raichura’s 24 Frames Production has helmed the digital series which will be exclusively available on ZEE5.
Directed by Nandita Mehra, written by Nikita Dhond, Gautam Hegde, and Ritu Bhatia, Pavitra Rishta…It’s Never Too Late Season 2 will premiere on ZEE5 Global on 28th January.
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.