Alia Bhatt’s recent release, Jigra, has ignited a maelstrom of controversy, overshadowing its lacklustre performance at the box office. The film, which was expected to make waves, has instead found itself embroiled in a scandal that has drawn in various prominent figures from the industry. At the centre of this storm is Divya Khosla, the wife of T-Series owner Bhushan Kumar, who has accused Alia of manipulating the box office figures associated with her latest cinematic endeavour.
While Alia has chosen to remain silent in the face of these accusations, Karan Johar, her co-producer and a prominent figure in Bollywood, has offered a subtle retort. In a veiled reference, he implied that Divya’s claims are foolish, showcasing his loyalty to Alia amid the brewing conflict. This discord between the two actresses has sparked speculation regarding its potential fallout on their respective spouses, particularly concerning Ranbir Kapoor, Alia's husband, who is currently slated to star in Bhushan Kumar’s upcoming production, Animal Park.
Speculation Surrounding Ranbir Kapoor’s Commitment to Animal Park
In light of the ongoing tensions between Alia and Divya, questions arise regarding Ranbir Kapoor's involvement in Animal Park. Despite the turbulent backdrop, rumours suggesting that Ranbir may withdraw from the project appear unfounded, especially considering his well-established reputation for professionalism and commitment to his work. This raises the question: will Bhushan Kumar continue his collaboration with Ranbir, despite the ongoing conflict?
Historically, Bhushan Kumar has demonstrated an ability to navigate personal disputes while maintaining professional relationships. He previously reconciled with singer Sonu Nigam after Divya publicly criticised him, indicating that he might choose to overlook his wife's quarrel with Alia in favour of the business at hand. Furthermore, with Animal Park still in its nascent stages—filming has yet to commence and the release date remains distant—there is ample time for Ranbir and Bhushan to address and resolve any lingering issues.
The crux of the controversy lies in Divya Khosla’s claims that Alia Bhatt has manipulated box office collections to portray Jigra as a success. On Instagram, she expressed her incredulity at the situation, alleging that theatres screening the film were virtually empty. Divya stated, "Went to City Mall PVR for the Jigra show. The theatre was completely empty… theatres everywhere are empty. Alia Bhatt truly has a lot of courage… she bought tickets herself and announced fake collections. It’s surprising how the paid media is silent!" This explosive accusation has reverberated through social media, igniting discussions about transparency and honesty in Bollywood's competitive landscape.
Karan Johar's Subtle Defense
Although Alia has opted not to directly address Divya's allegations, Karan Johar’s response has been noteworthy. Without explicitly naming any parties, he remarked that "the best speech you can give to fools is silence," implying that he considers Divya's assertions beneath a dignified response. This comment not only reinforces Karan's support for Alia but also highlights the intricate dynamics at play within the Bollywood fraternity.
