Charli XCX has been awarded Songwriter of the Year at the Brit Awards, marking her first-ever win at the event after more than a decade in the industry. The recognition comes at a high point in her career, as she leads this year’s Brit nominations with five nods, including Best Artist and Album of the Year.
The pop icon has long been known for pushing musical boundaries, blending underground electronic sounds with mainstream pop. Her latest album, Brat, has been widely praised for its raw lyrics and experimental beats, earning it a spot as one of the most talked-about albums of 2024. Critics have called it “pop music for the future,” pointing out its mix of chaotic energy and deeply personal themes. The album’s viral success led to the rise of the “Brat Summer” trend, with fans embracing its neon-green aesthetic and dance-heavy sound.
With viral tracks and a ground-breaking sound, Charli XCX’s Brat cements her as a powerhouse at the BRITsGetty Images
Charli’s song writing win is especially significant given her previous criticism of the Brit Awards. In 2023, she pointed out the lack of female artists in the Artist of the Year category, questioning the voting academy’s choices. This year, however, she finds herself a top contender for the title, competing against Dua Lipa, Central Cee, and Sam Fender.
The impact of Brat goes beyond just the charts. Tracks like Apple sparked viral dance trends, and the album’s themes of self-expression and emotional turbulence resonated deeply with fans. Charli’s long-time collaborator, AG Cook, was also recognised, winning Producer of the Year for his work on the record.
Charli XCX’s Brat continues its reign, leading the Brit nominations with five nods, including Best ArtistGetty Images
The Brit Awards ceremony, set to take place at London’s O2 Arena on March 1, will feature performances from artists like Sam Fender, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Last Dinner Party. Alongside Charli’s win, other early award announcements include Myles Smith as Rising Star and Sabrina Carpenter receiving the Global Success award.
Charli XCX’s bold, genre-blending music finally gets the recognition it deservesGetty Images
Charli’s victory at the Brits, following her recent Grammy wins, cements her transition from being a cult favourite to mainstream powerhouse without sacrificing the creativity and originality that define her music.
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.