Latest news with #PoojaBhatt
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Before Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan was set to appear in Ramayana, but one mistake by Sohail Khan ruined everything
In Bollywood, news about films based on mythological stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata often makes headlines. In these films, there is usually fierce competition among stars to play iconic characters such as Ram, Sita, Hanuman, or Ravana. There is one biggest and most expensive upcoming movie that will be releasing this year and it is Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor. Salman Khan was supposed to play Ram in Ramayana Before Ranbir Kapoor, superstar Salman Khan was suppose to play the role of Ram. Unfortunately, due to a mistake by his brother Sohail Khan, this opportunity went from his hands, despite considerable shooting and promotion of the film. Sohail Khan, who made his directorial debut with the film Auzaar , had announced a film based on the Ramayana a few years earlier. Preparations for the film were in full swing. Salman Khan was cast as Ram, and Sonali Bendre was chosen to play Sita. Later, Pooja Bhatt also joined the project. About 40 percent of the film had been shot, and Salman Khan had even begun promoting it in Ram's look, complete with a bow and arrow. However, rumours about a relationship between Sohail Khan and Pooja Bhatt started circulating, which ultimately ruined the entire film. Sohail Khan and Pooja Bhatt were supposed to get married, but… According to reports, Sohail Khan and Pooja Bhatt grew very close during the shooting of the film. Some media outlets even claimed that Pooja Bhatt spoke about marriage with Sohail in an interview. However, when Salman Khan's father, Salim Khan, found out about their relationship, he advised Sohail not to pursue it further. Salman also tried to handle the situation peacefully, but Pooja Bhatt reportedly did not appreciate the attitude of the Khan family. It is said that she eventually walked out of the film, leaving it incomplete. As a result, neither did Sohail and Pooja's relationship move forward, nor was the film ever completed.
News18
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Kajol Was Hesitant To Play Rape Victim In Dushman Until Pooja Bhatt Stepped In: 'I Refused Because...'
Kajol says she initially refused Dushman due to rape scenes. Pooja Bhatt assured her a body double would be used and nothing uncomfortable would be filmed. Even after 25 years, Dushman continues to linger in the minds of viewers, largely due to Ashutosh Rana's terrifying portrayal of the sadistic killer Gokul Pandit. The 1998 psychological thriller, directed by Tanuja Chandra and produced by Pooja Bhatt, was a bold film that tackled themes of trauma, justice, and inner strength. At its emotional core was Kajol, who played dual roles—twin sisters whose lives are shattered by a brutal crime. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Kajol opened up about the emotional turmoil and hesitation she experienced before accepting the role. She revealed that she initially refused the project, despite being deeply moved by the story. 'It was a very difficult role. It was a subject matter. I had refused the film. Pooja Bhatt had approached me for the film because she was producing it, she wanted me to do the film. But I was like, 'I love the script. I love the idea, but I don't want to portray any kind of molestation or rape on screen. Not because of anything else but as an actor when you are acting in that emotion, you feel all those things. As an actor, I don't need to do that. I can show my acting prowess in other things," she recalled. Kajol's apprehension was rooted not just in the graphic nature of the scenes, but the emotional toll such performances can take on an actor. However, what eventually convinced her was the unwavering support and empathy shown by the film's female-led creative team. 'Then Tanuja and Pooja made me understand. They said, 'Don't worry about it. We are women, we understand, and we will figure this out, and we will shoot with a body double and we will do this and that, and we will not do anything that you are uncomfortable with at any point,' so yes, that's how Dushman came to be," she said. In the film, Kajol's performance is a powerful embodiment of vulnerability and strength. One sister is brutally raped and murdered by the psychotic Gokul Pandit, while the other—devastated and haunted—embarks on a path of revenge. Her transformation is aided by a blind ex-army officer, played by Sanjay Dutt, who trains her to confront her sister's killer and reclaim her power. Though released in the same year as Kajol's mega-blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dushman carved a very different space for itself in Indian cinema. Where one celebrated youthful romance, the other dove deep into psychological trauma and female resilience. Dushman didn't cater to mainstream tastes, but its bold narrative, taut direction, and unflinching performances earned it a cult status over time. First Published:
Hans India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Pooja Bhatt can't wait to share the highs and lows of her journey in her new podcast
Pooja Bhatt is all set to share the highs and lows of her life in a new podcast show on iHeartPodcasts. The actress and filmmaker said she's excited to open up about her personal and professional journey, hoping her experiences can connect with and inspire listeners. Speaking about iHeartPodcasts to debut her show, Bhatt shared, I'm thrilled to partner with iHeartMedia to launch The Pooja Bhatt Show. There are so many inspirational stories in the Indian film industry. I want to shine a spotlight on the amazing people helping push our culture forward. From actors to directors to musicians to producers to stylists...I can't wait to share the highs and lows of my journey, and share the riveting stories of the people who have inspired and shaped me.' Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts added, 'We are so excited to launch our first podcast in this new Asian slate with Pooja. A true legend in the Indian creative scene, we know she'll bring an exciting and entertaining perspective to the lineup.' Jonathan Serbin and Jay Faires of Mammoth Media Asia stated: 'The influence of Indian movies, music, and culture has been growing rapidly around the world. Pooja's unique experience at the pinnacle of the industry for decades will be a treat to both Bollywood fans and those that wish to learn more about Indian cinema and creative culture, across the board. We are thrilled to partner with Pooja for this exciting program.' HeartMedia and Mammoth Media Asia have teamed up to launch 'The Pooja Bhatt Show,' the first podcast under their new partnership focused on creating multi-language content featuring top talent from the Asia-Pacific region. Hosted by Pooja Bhatt, the podcast will begin airing weekly episodes from late September. As Indian cinema, music, fashion, and culture gain global popularity, Pooja will take listeners behind the scenes of the film industry—covering everything from directors and superstars to background dancers and spot boys. 'The Pooja Bhatt Show,' produced by Epilogue, will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app.
News18
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Pooja Bhatt Marks One Month Since Mukul Dev's Death: ‘Fly High And Free My Friend'
Last Updated: Mukul Dev passed away on 23rd May. Pooja Bhatt remembered her friend a month after his death, and shared an emotional tribute. On the one-month anniversary of actor Mukul Dev's death, Pooja Bhatt remembered him by sharing an emotional tribute on social media. Mukul Dev passed away in Delhi, on 23 rd May, at the age of 54. Now, Pooja marked one month since his death by noting how quickly time has passed, while the world continues in chaos. She wrote that she finds solace in thunder and stars, where she feels her friend Mukul's presence. She shared that he will forever be loved and missed. Pooja Bhatt took to her Instagram to share a picture of Mukul Dev. In her emotional note, she wrote, 'One month. In the blink of an eye. The world meanwhile,in disarray. I take solace in thunder & see you often,In the stars that shine down defiantly through mottled skies. Fly high & free my friend. You shall be forever loved,felt & missed. Too little too late? Perhaps. But never enough.. never,ever enough. Mukul Dev 17 Sept 1970-23 May 2025." Mukul Dev's brother Rahul Dev reacted to Pooja Bhatt's tribute, and wrote, 'Grateful dear Pooja," to which she replied, '@rahuldevofficial I am grateful Always and forever. All my love." Check out the post below! Meanwhile, last month, after Mukul's death, Pooja Bhatt mourned his demise. She wrote, 'He spoke of very simple things-that it is right for a gull to fly,that freedom is the very nature of his being,that whatever stands against that freedom must be set aside,be it ritual or superstition or limitation in any form. 'Set aside," came a voice from the multitude, even if it be the law of the flock?" The only true law is that which leads to freedom," He said. 'There is no other." For most gulls it was not flying that matters,but eating. For this gull,though,it was not eating that mattered,but flight. Mukul Dev 17 September 1970- 23 May 2025 Excerpt: Richard Bach,Jonathan Livingston Seagull." Mukul Dev's Death Mukul Dev's untimely death at 54 left the entertainment world shocked. His brother, Rahul Dev opened up about what led to the tragic loss. In an interview with The Times of India, Rahul shared that Mukul had been in the ICU for eight and a half days. 'Medically, it was a result of poor eating habits. In the last four-five days, he had stopped eating altogether," he said. Rahul also mentioned that Mukul had been feeling lonely and had lost interest in life, turning down several work offers. Addressing rumors about Mukul's mental health, Rahul dismissed speculations of depression. 'The people who are speaking out now weren't even in touch with him. They say he was unfit, but he ran half-marathons. Yes, he had gained weight — when someone stops caring about themselves, it shows… Who really stayed in touch with him between 2019 and 2024? Did they visit him when he was in the hospital or attend his prayer meet?" he said. Mukul Dev was known for his work in several films including Wajood (1998), Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena (2005), Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011), Son Of Sardar (2012), among others.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Muzammil Ibrahim: "Pooja Bhatt Was Extremely Abusive, Working With Her Pushed Me Into Depression"
After a successful modelling career and a couple of superhit music videos, Muzammil Ibrahim -- a popular face on the ramp in the early 2000s -- made his film debut in 2007 with the action thriller Dhokha, directed by Pooja Bhatt. In a recent conversation with TV host and podcaster Siddharth Kannan, the supermodel-actor levelled some serious allegations against Pooja Bhatt, saying the filmmaker was "extremely abusive" towards him on the film set. Muzammil, who won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest as Mr India in 2003, also alleged he slipped into depression because of Pooja Bhatt's disrespectful behaviour on the set of Dhokha. He was just 20 at the time, he added. Muzammil Ibrahim's Allegations Against Pooja Bhatt "I was called unprofessional at that time by Pooja Bhatt... She had a temperament, an attitude which was very disrespectful towards actors. Mahesh Bhatt used to like me a lot. But Pooja said a lot of things about me. I don't want to go into the details. I was very respectful towards her, but she had a very abusive nature. She was extremely abusive," Muzammil said on the podcast with Kannan. "I went through hell during its shoot. I suffered a lot, and I was very young. I got into depression because of it. I used to have nightmares. Every morning, I would pray to Allah to save me from her," he added. Mahesh Bhatt Tried To Intervene The actor, who featured in popular music videos such as Kabhie Aisa Lagta Hai by Lucky Ali and Pardesiya co-starring Rakhi Sawant, said Pooja Bhatt's filmmaker father Mahesh Bhatt asked her to not misbehave with him. "But she would do it when he was not around. The crew members and even Mukesh Bhatt [Pooja Bhatt's uncle] told me stories about Pooja's behaviour and temper." Muzammil said the experience of working in the Bhatt camp was like a "nightmare". "I was scared to work with the Bhatts again. Mahesh sir was very keen on casting me in Raaz 2. Even Soni Razdan pursued me for doing their films, but I refused all of them," he added. Muzammil Ibrahim Claims Pooja Bhatt Likened Actors To Dogs "Pooja has told actors in the past that they are like dogs, when I tell them to sit, they should sit, if I tell them to stand they should stand. She would say this about John [Abraham] and Dino [Morea]. Someone who has this kind of attitude about their actors, imagine what kind of a person they would be," he said. In A Nutshell According to Muzammil Ibrahim, his Dhokha director Pooja Bhatt was abusive towards him on the set of the 2007 film. The ill-treatment pushed him into depression and would also give him nightmares.
