PLAYING tabla at the Gurdwara regularly from the age of eight firmly connected Amandip Bahia to music, and this in turn led him towards learning the dhol at 12 from a leading maestro based in Wolverhampton.
He was taught in such an immersive way that it developed a lifelong love for the instrument and helped him to form acclaimed group Dhol Frequency.
The talented musician has balanced incredible live performances with teaching dhol and outreach work with the youth. Dhol Frequency will be one of the headline acts at this year’s Newham Under The Stars event at Central Park in East Ham on August 17.
Eastern Eye caught up with Amandip Bahia to find out more about his connection to the popular instrument, his outreach work and more...
What is it about the dhol you love most?
I love the sound of the dhol and how the high energetic beats make the crowds insane. The instrument is able to create such a wide array of sounds and all have an uplifting effect. The buzz it generates while performing live is amazing.
What have been your most memorable musical moments?
The whole journey has been so memorable with so many highlights. Performing with Gurpreet Ghuggu at a high profile event at the beginning. This was followed by great moments like being part of teams that helped King G Mall break Guinness Book Of World Records.
Other highlights include performing at the first Brit Asia Music Awards alongside Roach Killa, reaching the final of the competition Dholi’s Got Talent, performing for the great Gurdas Maan jee, and at Jimmy Shergill’s UK film press conference.
Who has been the most interesting person you have met on your journey?
I have been blessed to have met many people on this amazing journey, including DJ Bally K, who taught me so much in the 15 years I played dhol with him on stage.
Of course, King Gurcharan Mall, who is so inspirational and always thinking big. I have done some great work with the famous Heera Dancers from Wolverhampton. Then there is the hit-maker PBN, who I’ve been playing dhol with since 2001 and featured in so many of his smash hit music videos.
Tell us about Dhol Frequency...
There are six members who I have taught from day one and given guidance to. Taran, Navin, Sunil, Akash, Parabjot and Aaron are still young and learning, but have a very big part to play in the group in the future and are very talented.
Can you also talk about your teaching and outreach work...
I’ve been teaching since 2005, which includes a main group class and one-to-one private tuitions. I’m developing more Dhol Frequency classes in the future. Teaching has enabled me to do workshops in school and outreach work, which is so rewarding. I think we all have a duty to give back in some way.
What advice would you give to those wanting to play the dhol?
The primary advice would be to find a teacher. There are many great teachers across the UK who will harness your potential and expand your knowledge. They will give you enough skills to then teach others. Knowledge is power and that only comes with a great teacher.
If you could learn another instrument, what would it be?
There are too many I would still love to learn, such as tumbi and keyboards. Music is like the sea in that it never ends; it just gets deeper and deeper.
Do you get told off for practicing the dhol at home because it is so noisy?
(Laughs) Yes, everyday! First it was my mum and now it’s my wife. But having a great passion means you can never stop practicing, which is the most important thing you can do as a musician.
What can we expect from you next?
In 2018 I launched the Dhol Frequency brand, which involves classes, bringing through new talent, outreach work and performances. We are looking forward to performing alongside such a great line-up at Newham Under The Stars at Central Park in East Ham on August 17. We might even release a song in the future.
Why do you love music?
Music is me and I am music. I can never live without it! It’s been a massive part of my life from the age of eight and will continue doing it for as long as possible. The learning and discovery never ends.
JK Rowling’s Instagram story mocking Pedro Pascal’s criticismInstagram Screengrab
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.