2023 has been a great year for Bollywood in terms of films and music. The film industry has delivered several big hits that ruled the charts the entire year. Be it the album of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone-starrer Pathaanor Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna's Animal, music taking over social media, Bollywood songs stood out this year.
Take a look at the songs that ruled the charts this year:
1. 'Jhoome Jo Pathaan' - Pathaan
The party track from Shah Rukh Khan's action thriller film Pathaan received immense love from the audience. The song is performed by singers Arijit Singh, Sukriti Kakar, Vishal Dadlani, and Sheykhar Ravijani. It featured the Don actor and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The song has been viewed over 785 million times on YouTube.
2. Pyaar Hota Kayi Baar Hai' - Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
Sung by Arijit Singh, the party track became an anthem for all the single people out there. The song featured Ranbir Kapoor. The song received a massive response from the audience, while some people joked on social media that the song seemed to be a 'biopic' of Ranbir.
3. 'Tere Vaaste' - Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
The romantic track, sung by Varun Jain, Sachin-Jigar, Shadab Faridi, and Altamash Faridi from the film Zara Hatke Zara Bachke received a massive amount of love from the audience. It was penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya and featured Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan. It has gathered over 315 million views on YouTube.
4. 'Phir Aur Kya Chahiye' - Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Another Arijit Singh banger. He collaborated with the singer duo Sachin-Jigar for the song which turned out to be a massive hit. The romantic track from Vicky-Sara's Zara Hatke Zara Bachke has gathered more than 221 million views on YouTube.
5. 'Tum Kya Mile' - Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Another romantic track in the list of top chartbusters. The song from Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt's film Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' became a sensation on social media. It was sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal.
6. 'Main Nikla Gaddi Leke 2.0' - Gadar 2
Another chartbuster in the list is the remake party track 'Main Nikla Gaddi Leke 2.0' from the action film Gadar 2. The song is a recreated version of the iconic track 'Main Nikla Gaddi Leke' from the film 'Gadar' which was sung by Udit Narayan, composed by Uttam Singh, and penned by Anand Bakshi.
7. 'Chaleya' - Jawan
Talking about the chartbuster tracks how can someone forget this melodious track from Shah Rukh Khan's action thriller film Jawan? Sung by Arijit Singh the song featured SRK and Nayanthara.
8. 'Arjan Vailly' - Animal
The energetic track from Ranbir Kapoor and Bobby Deol's action thriller film Animal has become a sensation on social media.
9. 'What Jhumka?' - Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
A party track from Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt's romantic film 'Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' became a big hit amongst the audiences.
10. 'Satranga' - Animal
Romantic song from Ranbir Kapoor-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Animal was sung by Arijit Singh and became one of the biggest hits of 2023.
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.