Published on: October 30, 2025 | 6:37 PM IST
Actor Rahul Bhat, who made his debut in the 2002 romantic drama Yeh Mohabbat Hai, is making a remarkable comeback in Bollywood with a fresh love story, co-starring Dia Mirza. The untitled film, currently being shot in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and nearby locales, promises to mark a new chapter in the actor’s diverse career, which has spanned over two decades.
A Long-Awaited Love Story
Rahul Bhat’s filmography has been notable for its intensity and range, often delving into dark, complex, and unconventional roles. Reflecting on his journey, he shares:
“Strangely, most of my films have been in the dark zone with intense roles. Ugly (2013), yet-to-release Kennedy, my Hollywood debut Lost & Found, which went to Cannes, and Doobaaraa (2020), which screened at the London Film Festival — they all traveled widely across the globe but belonged to different genres. A love story was just not happening.”
Despite international recognition and festival circuit successes, Rahul admits he had long yearned to work in a traditional love story, an evergreen genre that he has always admired.
“Everyone used to ask me, ‘When will you do a love story?’ and I used to wonder: koi to karwa lo. I am happy it is finally happening, and all I can reveal for now is that it is a mature love story where I am working with Dia, who is an eternal beauty, an amazing actor and great human being who works so much for the environment and other causes.”
Working with Dia Mirza
Rahul’s excitement about collaborating with Dia Mirza is palpable. Known for her natural screen presence and commitment to social causes, Dia brings depth and grace to the project. Rahul describes her as not only a phenomenal actor but also a person of remarkable character.
The chemistry between the two leads is expected to define the film, bringing a grounded, emotionally resonant narrative to audiences. Rahul emphasized that the story focuses on mature love, exploring human emotions and relationships with nuance and sensitivity.
Direction and Production
The film is helmed by Kanwal Sethi, an Indo-German filmmaker celebrated for his nuanced storytelling. He previously directed the critically acclaimed Hindi film Once Again, starring Shefali Shah, Neeraj Kabi, and Bidita Bag, and has a background in German cinema.
“Kanwal has made a lot of German films and beautifully woven in soulful and mature explorations of love and human emotions,” Rahul notes.
The shoot for the film commenced on October 24 in Nainital, with sequences also planned in Jim Corbett National Park. The current schedule is expected to wrap by November 20. The production is overseen by Kovid Gupta and Sanjay Gulati, ensuring a well-supported and meticulous approach to bringing the story to life.
A Year of Busy Projects
2025 has been a landmark year for Rahul Bhat, marking both his return to feature films and continued presence on OTT platforms. He was last seen in the digital series Black Warrant, which garnered positive reviews and is now in talks for a second season.
“It is turning out to be a fantastic year. I shot for the Hollywood film Lost & Found during Mahakumbh and in Europe. Black Warrant went off well and we are in talks for the second season. I have also shot for Madhur Bhandarkar’s film The Wives and two OTT series. We are hoping that after making waves in the festival circuit, Kennedy too will get a release date soon.”
Rahul also revealed that he is gearing up for another project next month, reflecting both his ambition and the positive momentum in his career.
Reflecting on His Journey
Rahul Bhat’s career has been marked by a willingness to explore challenging and unconventional roles. From Ugly to Doobaaraa and his Hollywood debut, he has consistently sought projects that push boundaries and offer depth. This new film with Dia Mirza, however, represents a fresh direction — a return to the classic, emotive storytelling of romance, filtered through the lens of maturity and life experience.
“It’s an evergreen genre that I love! I am happy it is finally happening,” he says.
His reflection underscores the balance he seeks between artistic experimentation and connecting with audiences through universal themes like love, emotion, and human relationships.
Looking Forward
With the untitled Dia Mirza project, Rahul Bhat is not just making a comeback; he is taking a deliberate step into a genre that complements his evolved artistic sensibilities. The combination of a seasoned actor, a socially conscious co-star, and a director skilled in nuanced storytelling promises a cinematic experience that is both heartfelt and visually compelling.
As the shoot progresses through the scenic locales of Nainital and Jim Corbett National Park, anticipation is already building among audiences eager to witness Rahul Bhat in a role that marries emotional depth with the timeless appeal of a mature love story.
In conclusion, Rahul Bhat’s return to Bollywood after two decades, with a film co-starring Dia Mirza, is a milestone in his career. It not only offers him the chance to explore a beloved genre that has eluded him for years but also signals the start of an exciting phase filled with diverse projects and renewed creative energy. Fans and critics alike are now looking forward to seeing how this mature love story unfolds on the big screen, promising a memorable addition to Rahul Bhat’s distinguished body of work.
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