According to reports, successful Bollywood filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, who last helmed Gully Boy (2019), is set to create a streaming show based on the globally popular Archies Comics. The untitled show is set at Netflix.
An Indian publication reports that Akhtar has already found her Betty and Veronica, while the hunt for the character of Archie in the indigenous adaptation is still on.
The publication quotes a source close to the project and writes that superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan, and Sridevi’s younger daughter, Khushi Kapoor, are cast as desi Betty and Veronica, respectively.
For a long time now, there have been constant speculations on the acting debuts of these two star daughters. Looks like the day is not far when they will grace screens. Earlier it was thought that Dharma Productions’ Karan Johar would launch Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor. Akhtar has beaten him in the race, it seems.
The source goes on to add that chances are high that Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s son Ibrahim Ali Khan could be cast to play Archie in the series.
“While other details of the Netflix series are yet to be locked in, I can only confirm Suhana and Khushi in the Zoya-helmed project. I can also reveal that there is a strong possibility of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s son Ibrahim playing Archie in Zoya Akhtar’s series,” the source signs off.
Meanwhile, Zoya Akhtar is presently busy with her upcoming project Angry Young Men. It is a docudrama chronicling the storied writing career of legendary screenwriter duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. She is producing the project along with her brother Farhan Akhtar and superstar Salman Khan. Once ready, Angry Young Men will premiere on Netflix.
Keep visiting this space over and again for more updates and reveals from the world of entertainment.
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.