by ASJAD NAZIR
DANCE ballet Swappnam: Dreams is straight from the heart of Chennai. The grand production conceived and scripted by Krithika Subrahmanian will be staged in London this month. Swappnam: Dreams includes a first-ever full-length composition for a classical dance production from cinematic music legend Isaignani Ilayaraaja. Some of the best South Indian music talent, including singers T V Gopalakrishnan and Sudha Raghunathan have given voice to Ilayaraja’s meticulously arranged tracks.
Eastern Eye caught up with dancer/choreographer Krithika Subrahmanian to talk about Swappnam: Dreams.
What first connected you to do dance?
I trained as a classical dancer from age seven. Then when I performed on stage from age 15, I was hooked to the thrill of performing the art and capturing audience’s imaginations. It is a brilliant mode of self-expression and communication.
What led you towards Swappnam: Dreams?
The subject of dreams as alternative reality of human consciousness always fascinated me, and I was yearning to present my interpretation of Shaivism as a realisation in connection with dreams.
Tell us more about the production?
The production is both fast-paced and contemplative at different points in time. It guides the audience through a journey of self-discovery and the realisation of Shiva as a primary anchor in Hinduism. The music is original and composed by the maestro, Ilayaraja.
How does this compare to your other projects?
The scale of the project was immense as the music involved 168 artists of great virtuosity. The greatest voices of Indian classical music have performed on it. The dance is choreographed in several classical traditions.
Tell us more about the music?
The music was complex to record and master. I was thrilled to have a personal involvement with the maestro. It was a result of engrossing discussions at a conceptual level between us that led to this dramatic soundtrack. It lent itself to great choreography because I had written the whole lot of directorial notes in one seamless script.
What can the audiences expect to see?
Audiences can expect stunning visual aesthetics in terms of costuming, lighting and stage dynamics. They can expect to be moved by self-realisation.
What is the secret of a great performance?
The secret of a great dance performance is to create a positive energised dynamic between the music, script, dance and engagement of audiences, in a path of self-reflection, after experiencing an outstanding high.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the content of Hindu scriptures viewed from the theosophist's mind’s eye and an exploration of such thoughts presented in brilliant choreography.
Why do you love dance?
Dance is a great form of self-exploration and expression and makes me whole.
Why should we watch Swappnam: Dreams?
Dreams are the basis of self-discovery and often misinterpreted. In Swappnam you will see the dreams of the young and old along with ‘his’ dreams, ‘her’ dreams and their romance. You will see confusion, realisation and awakening. Swappnam will mirror your mind, wake you up and look into your soul. Swappnam will be that journey.
Swappnam: Dreams will be staged at Purcell Room, Southbank Centre in London on October 14. Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk
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.