Seasoned actress Tabu returns to Telugu films after a long gap of a decade. Most recently seen in the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial Bharat (2019), the actress has joined forces with Telugu superstar Allu Arjun for an untitled project, which is being helmed by well-known filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas.
Tabu joined the crew recently, and the makers on Wednesday released a video from the sets welcoming the National Film Award-winning actress. In the video, we can see Tabu on the sets preparing for her role in the movie. For the unversed, her last Telugu film was Pandurangadu (2008) which released a decade ago.
Though there is not much update on the character that Tabu is playing in the untitled film, buzz has it that she has been roped in to play Allu Arjun’s mother. The audience is looking forward to the film for various reasons. First, it marks the return of Tabu to Telugu cinema after a decade. Second, it is going to be the third collaboration between Allu Arjun and director Trivikram Srinivas after Julayi (2012) and Son of Sathyamurty (2015).
Apart from Allu Arjun and Tabu, the yet-to-be-titled film also features Pooja Hegde, Nivetha Pethuraj, Sushanth, Jayaram, Sathyaraj, Sunil and Navdeep in important roles. It is slated for its theatrical release in 2020.
On Bollywood front, Tabu will next be seen in Saif Ali Khan’s upcoming film Jawaani Jaaneman, which is currently being shot in London. The actress plays Khan’s ex-girlfriend in the much-awaited film. Jawaani Jaaneman marks the acting debut of model-turned-actress Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia Furniturewalla. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film is scheduled to release on 28th November, 2019.
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.