The much-anticipated project, Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, has commenced its filming journey amidst a flurry of excitement. Netizens were treated to glimpses of the grandeur unfolding on set, with leaked footage offering a sneak peek into the project's ambitious vision.
With Kapoor poised to take on what is undoubtedly his most challenging role yet, fans eagerly await the unfolding of this cinematic saga. Despite the makers' efforts to maintain secrecy, leaked images and videos from the sets have sparked a frenzy across social media platforms.
A particularly striking image, shared by an Instagram user identified as Akruti Singh, provides a tantalising glimpse into the meticulous construction of the film's backdrop. Pillars and wooden walls reminiscent of ancient architecture stand tall, hinting at the immersive world being brought to life. Captioned simply as "Ramayana Day 1," the post has stirred speculation and excitement among fans.
Accompanying the leaked images is a video shared by another user on the platform, offering a brief glimpse of the elaborate set design. These leaked visuals offer a tantalising taste of what's to come, heightening anticipation for the epic retelling of this timeless tale.
Amidst the excitement surrounding Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram, speculation runs rife regarding the ensemble cast. While Sai Pallavi's potential casting as Goddess Sita has garnered attention, rumours swirl regarding Sunny Deol's possible portrayal of Lord Hanuman. Bobby Deol's involvement as Kumbhkaran adds further intrigue to the star-studded lineup, with additional speculation surrounding Vijay Sethupathi's role as Vibhishan, Raavan's youngest brother.
In preparation for his portrayal of Lord Ram, Kapoor is reported to have undergone extensive voice and diction training, aiming to infuse the character with a distinct and recognisable tone. Director Nitesh Tiwari's meticulous attention to detail promises a fresh and immersive interpretation of this beloved epic.
As filming for "Ramayana" officially commences, the internet buzzes with excitement over the unfolding spectacle. With each leaked image and tantalising detail, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a cinematic journey of mythic proportions.
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.