Noted Hindustani classical singer Shubha Mudgal believes a good arts education programme must be made available to every school-going student in India.
The vocalist believes engaging with various art forms, including music, will make people more sensitive and lead to a more peaceful society.
"One of the main benefits of engaging with the arts, including music, is the fact that it makes you a more sensitive human being and a more sensitised person.
"Considering the violence and barbarism one sees in society today, I feel it would be a good idea that the inclusion of a good arts education programme must be made available to every school-going student in this country," Mudgal told PTI.
The singer was in the city at the invitation of Elsewhere Foundation to perform classical and traditional compositions in a concert titled 'Rang Hori'.
"I have been saying this for many decades now--in fact, formally and informally. In the longer run, it will prove to be beneficial. It will make better human beings who are better suited for society," Mudgal said.
When asked if children these days are getting exposure to the right kind of music, the Padma Shri awardee said it is difficult to gauge the quality as most of the people are listening to what is easily accessible.
"If in the two areas that are so vital to the development of a child-- the home atmosphere and the school atmosphere-- we introduce a healthy respect for the arts, why will they not learn. But that has to be done and done with the intention of teaching them to be better human beings.
"Yes, there are violent songs and we need to ensure that we point out that even though the song may be sung by a person who is an icon, we need to point out that the violence is never the way," she said.
Mudgal, 64, also stressed the need to preserve handcrafted Indian instruments such as tanpura, tabla and sarangi.
She further said there are some musical instruments made using natural elements, which have been banned now. However, no effort has been made to find substitute material.
"What material is to be used as a substitute, no thought was given to it...Tomorrow, If I have to go to Europe to buy a Tanpura, then what is the point," she said.
(PTI)
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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.