ZEE5 Global on Thursday launched the trailer of Kaun Banegi Shikharwati.
Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Emmay Entertainment and directed by Gauravv Chawla and Ananya Banerjee, the series stars Naseeruddin Shah, Soha Ali Khan, Lara Dutta, Anya Singh, Raghubir Yadav, Kritika Kamra, Cyrus Sahukar, and Varun Thakur in pivotal roles.
Kaun Banegi Shikharwati is a dramedy based on the life of the Royal King (Naseeruddin Shah) and his dysfunctional family. The trailer itself gives audiences a glimpse of all the madness one can expect in the series. The intriguing trailer takes one through the exhilarating journey of Raja Mrityunjay and his daughters Devyani, Gayatri, Kamini, and Uma who all come together after years to save the Shikharwati.
Talking about the series, Soha Ali Khan shared, “I have been looking forward to doing something out of the box and Kaun Banegi Shikharwati turned out to be exactly what I wanted. The script was the first thing that caught my attention and of course, the talented star cast! I am sure the families who will watch our series will be able to relate. Hope they enjoy watching the trailer and the series which premieres 7th January on ZEE5.”
Lara Dutta said, “It was such a refreshing experience shooting for this series with such great co-stars who together are a mad bunch to handle. Family dramas might be common, but this dysfunctional family is unlike any you have seen before, and we can’t wait for everyone to join this crazy family on their crazy adventures only on ZEE5.”
Anya Singh shared, “It was an enriching experience for me shooting with such talented actors. They have pushed me to give my best and I hope audiences enjoy my work and our bond when they see the show. Lockdown has made us realise the importance of family and this show embodies the same sentiments that no matter how angry and upset you might be with a loved one, life is too short to hold onto grudges. That’s what I want everyone to take back from this series.”
Kritika Kamra shared, “With Kaun Banegi Shikharwati, I got 3 sisters for life, and I couldn’t have asked for more. The shoot was a laughter riot, and I hope the chemistry between us sisters translates well onto the screen as well. While the show will make you laugh and cry, it will also make you want to reunite with your loved ones for that tight, warm hug. So, do watch it on ZEE5 with your loved ones.”
Kaun Banegi Shikharwati premieres on January 7, 2022, only on ZEE5.
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.