In an era where music knows no boundaries, artists like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Major Lazer, and others have played a significant role in breaking down cultural barriers and celebrating India’s kaleidoscopic diversity. These global icons are not just appreciating Indian culture—they are actively shaping the world’s artistic lens through collaborations, performances, and trendsetting music videos.
Coldplay electrifies Mumbai with an unforgettable concert experienceInstagram/coldplay
Coldplay's bond with India was solidified in January 2025, when they performed in Mumbai, sparking waves of enthusiasm among their massive fan base. But it wasn’t just the electrifying music that made headlines—lead singer Chris Martin made waves by apologising for Britain’s colonial past and addressing the scars inflicted on India by British rule. "Thank you for forgiving us for all the bad things Great Britain has done," Martin said, acknowledging India’s unique culture and its significant influence on the global entertainment scene.
Coldplay kicks off India tour with memorable moments at Mumbai concert
Coldplay kicks off India tour with memorable moments at Mumbai concertwww.easterneye.biz
The concert, part of the band's 'Music of the Spheres World Tour,' showcased a mix of music, humour, and heartfelt moments, led by frontman Chris Martin.
Chris Martin, Dakota Johnson stroll Mumbai streets after Coldplay concert
Chris Martin, Dakota Johnson stroll Mumbai streets after Coldplay concertwww.easterneye.biz
The couple, who have been dating since 2017, typically maintain a low profile and rarely make public appearances
One of Coldplay's iconic tracks, "Hymn for the Weekend," featured vibrant visuals shot in India, showcasing the band’s admiration for Indian aesthetics. The video, which featured Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and a range of exotic Indian locations, bundled the best of both worlds, sparking both debates and discussions on cultural appropriation while also celebrating India’s cultural legacy.
Ed Sheeran has also led the charge in merging Western pop with Indian music. Over the years, he has collaborated with some of India's finest musicians, including Arijit Singh and Diljit Dosanjh. One memorable performance was Ed Sheeran’s surprise duet with Arijit Singh in Mumbai, where they sang "Perfect", delivering a perfect fusion of East and West. These collaborations introduced India’s musical legacies to a global pop audience, proving that cultural fusion can truly create unique and exceptional music.
Diljit Dosanjh Shares Pics With Ed Sheeran From Mumbai ConcertInstagram/diljitdosanjh
Major Lazer, too, has been shaking up the global music scene with their fusion of EDM and Indian rhythms. Tracks like “Lean On,” which blends Caribbean beats with Indian instruments, exemplify how Western artists are incorporating Indian sounds into fresh and exciting musical landscapes. Major Lazer’s fusions also reveal how significant India's musicality is in the ever-changing landscape of global music.
Major Lazer’s Jillionaire, Walshy Fire, and Diplo bring the heat onstage during a concertGetty Images
These collaborations, performances, and music videos go beyond ethnic displays—they are powerful symbols of the growing dialogue between India and the West. These artists are not just cultural ambassadors; they are architects of bridges, fostering connections and introducing India’s unparallelled creativity to the world. As India rises to global prominence, it’s no longer just a passive backdrop but an active collaborator in producing groundbreaking, pioneering music. In a world where cultural boundaries blur and break down, music is the undeniable lingua franca—and India, with its vibrant and irreplaceable voice, cannot be ignored.
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.