STYLIST-TURNED-SINGER MOIN SABRI DISCUSSES HIS UNIQUE CAREER
by ASJAD NAZIR
ARTISTS will take different paths towards their musical dream and some like the journey taken by singer Moin Sabri are unique.
The Mumbai-based singer started off as a successful hairstylist and worked with many big named celebrities, including Neha Kakkar, Tusshar Kapoor, Rana Dagubatti, Rajkumar Rao and south Indian superstar Suriya.
He then surprised everyone with his voice and used his superb singing ability to slowly rise through the musical ranks.
He has sung for films and also released his own songs, including his most recent track Judaai. The multi-talented music star hasn’t disconnected from styling and today balances singing with making big named celebrities look great.
Eastern Eye caught up with singing stylist Moin Sabri to talk about his music, unique career path, new song and future hopes.
Tell us about your work as a stylist?
I actually started my career working with musicians in Mumbai. I worked on Indian Idol with Salim and Sulaiman sir, Ashaji (Bhosle), Sunidhi Chauhan and Anu Malik sir. It was my first reality show as a stylist. Then I worked on many commercials and projects, including the film City Lights with Rajkummar Rao. I have also worked with Neha Kakkar as a stylist and worked on the movie Golmaal Again with Tusshar Kapoor sir. I have worked with Rana Daggubati and Suriya in Chennai. Overall, as a stylist, I have worked with many heroines and I feel blessed to have done so.
You are a very successful stylist, who has worked with many stars, but where is your musical connection from?
I come from a very musical family; so my background is as a musician and it has always been in my blood. People have always appreciated my voice and that belief people had in me led me towards singing. Having been brought up in a family of musicians and being surrounded by music, it was a natural progression for me.
You were working as a successful stylist and got your first musical break. Tell us about that?
I started my singing career with the Bollywood movie Revolver Rani and I am thankful to the whole team, including Kangana (Ranaut) maam, (director) Sai Kabir sir and music composer Sanjeev Srivastav sir. Sai Kabir sir got to know that I am from the Sabri family and called me to sing a song, and shortly after, he gave me an opportunity. Sanjiv Srivastava sir also supported me a lot during the recording. I had no idea this song would be there in the movie and was so happy when it was. So Revolver Rani will always be close to my heart as it was my first step in Bollywood. Then I followed it up with various musical projects and here I am today with my own single Judaai.
Tell us about your latest song Judaai?
My most recent music release Judaai features my very dear friend and brother Gunjan Utreja in the music video. The music sounds amazing thanks to Aditya Dev, who is a very big programmer in the industry. I am also very thankful to all those who made the song and music video happen.
Who are your greatest musical influences?
I am inspired most by my family, including Iqbal Afzal saab, Rashid saab and the two most important people of our family, who earned fame in the Bollywood industry, Sajid Khan and Wajid Khan.
What kind of songs do you enjoy singing?
I enjoy singing romantic songs, but the genre I like most is Sufi because it has a depth of emotion that I can really connect with, and brings out the best in my singing.
What project can we expect next from you?
There are many good upcoming projects and I am looking forward to sharing them with you all.
Now that you have launched a successful singing career, will you disconnect yourself from being a hairstylist?
Styling is my passion and I enjoy it. Music is in my blood, so will never go away, but styling is something I learned and will never disconnect myself from it. Both have given me so much. I always imagined that one day I will have my own salon, where my own music would be played and this is what happened to me.
What inspires you?
Music always inspires me and I think always will.
Why do you love music?
You don’t need anyone when you connect to some good music. When I am sad I always listen to good music. Music connects you to God.
Visit Instagram: @Moin.Sabri
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.