Charli XCX has once again taken the music world by storm with her latest studio album, Brat, a bold and defiant project that has garnered positive responses from various prestigious publications. The album showcases Charli’s evolution as an artist, blending elements of her past work with new and daring sounds that push the boundaries of pop and dance music.
The Guardian praises Brat for its gritty and underground textures, contrasting it with her previous, more mainstream album Crash. The review highlights the album's collaboration with notable producers like Daniel, AG Cook, Easyfun, Hudson Mohawke, and Gesaffelstein, emphasizing how these partnerships help plot Charli’s history with dance music. Describing the lead single "Von Dutch," The Guardian notes its addictive nature and echoes of the 2006 Bodyrox hit "Yeah Yeah." Tracks like "360" and "B2B" are noted for their bold and insatiable nature, with "Club Classics" capturing the essence of Charli and her friends creating music that resonates with millions.
Variety lauds Brat for launching a bold new chapter in Charli XCX’s career, combining familiar elements of her past work with fresh, innovative sounds. The album is praised for its effervescent hooks and the shimmer of hyperpop, suggesting a successful fusion of the old and new that maintains the essence of Charli’s musical identity.
ABC News highlights the album’s return to Charli’s U.K. roots while building on the foundation of her previous work. The review specifically mentions the single "360" as an intersection of Charli’s brash synth-pop and rave influences. The tracks "Von Dutch" and "Club Classics" are celebrated for their Y2K bravado and hyper-referentiality, with name drops of iconic musicians like Sophie, Cook, and Hudson Mohawke, reflecting Charli’s admiration and connection to the cool-girl canon of music.
The Washington Post commends the cohesive sound of Brat, noting how Charli and her producers keep the album focused on dancefloor nostalgia while incorporating mutating synths, wobbly basslines, and relentless percussion. The publication appreciates the album’s nod to the British club scenes that influenced Charli, particularly in tracks like "Club Classics," where she celebrates the music of scene-leaders such as A. G. Cook and Sophie.
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.