Further solidifying his image as a global Punjabi icon, singer Diljit Dosanjh unveiled his second international collaboration for 2024 on Friday (26). He teamed up with American rapper NLE Choppa for the track Muhammad Ali.
The urban pop anthem, produced by Da Honorable CNOTE, was released on YouTube and written by Dosanjh, Choppa, and Chani Nattan.
Dosanjh, who has previously collaborated with international artists such as American rapper Saweetie, Australian singer-songwriter Sia, and English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, continues to expand his global reach. He also performed at the international music festival Coachella last year.
Talking about the latest collaboration, the Punjabi singing sensation, who recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, said it is all about "resilience" and "empowerment".
NLE Choppa is known for his 2019 platinum-certified hit Shotta Flow (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
"‘Muhammad Ali’ celebrates the spirit of resilience and empowerment...Collaborating with NLE Choppa on this anthem has been incredibly inspiring. I'm thrilled to share another vibrant Punjabi sound with the world," the 40-year-old said in a statement.
Choppa, known for his 2019 platinum-certified hit Shotta Flow that soared into the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, has also created a global fan base for himself with hit songs like Capo, Walk Em Down, Go Stupid and Narrow Road.
”This collaboration with Diljit on ‘Muhammad Ali’ has been a true honor. Combining our styles to honor such an iconic figure has been a memorable journey. I'm eager for our Indian fans to make this track their own," Choppa said.
"Muhammad Ali" marks the second global collaboration this year for Dosanjh. Earlier, he collaborated with American rapper Saweetie for Khutti. (PTI)
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.