Coldplay has set a new benchmark for live performances in India, drawing a staggering 1.34 lakh fans to their concert at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on January 28. This historic turnout not only marks the largest ticketed concert ever held in the country but also broke previous records set by Diljit Dosanjh and Justin Bieber, who each attracted 50,000 attendees to their respective shows.
As part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour, Coldplay performed five sold-out shows in India—three in Mumbai and two in Ahmedabad. The final gig in Ahmedabad became a landmark event, breaking the band’s own global record of 83,000 attendees at a Sydney concert in November 2023. The massive audience at Narendra Modi Stadium, which included fans both in the stands and on the ground, solidified Coldplay’s status as one of the most popular bands in the world.
The concert was also streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, garnering an impressive 83 lakh views and 16.5 crore minutes of watch time. A significant portion of the viewership came from states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi-NCR, and Tamil Nadu, reflecting the band’s widespread appeal across India.
Coldplay’s electrifying setlist featured fan favourites such as "Yellow," "Viva La Vida," "Hymn for the Weekend," and "Clocks," creating an unforgettable experience for the audience. The band also paid tribute to India by performing "Vande Mataram" on Republic Day, garnering cheers from the crowd.
After the tour, lead singer Chris Martin expressed his gratitude, calling India a “beautiful country” and thanking fans for their love and kindness. He even made a trip to the Kumbh Mela with his girlfriend, actress Dakota Johnson, further cementing his connection with Indian culture.
This record-breaking concert just proves India’s growing prominence as a hub for international music concerts. While artists like Diljit Dosanjh and Justin Bieber have previously drawn massive crowds, Coldplay’s historic achievement has rewritten the rulebook, setting a new standard for live performances in the country. With their unforgettable shows, Coldplay has not only won the hearts of Indian fans but also etched their name in the annals of India’s concert history.
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.