Disney’s Aladdin is launching its first ever ‘Music Play Day’ on 20 August, during the highly anticipated run of the show at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre (14 August – 1 September 2024).
This innovative programme is looking for up to 70 young musicians aged between 12-18 from the Yorkshire area who have reached Grade 5 or above in their instruments to take part in the Music Play Day. The programme will give them hands on experience of working with a professional theatre orchestra.
Members of the Aladdin orchestra will give instrument-specific masterclasses throughout the day as the group works towards a performance of the award-winning music from the show at the end of the day on the Alhambra Theatre stage.
The Music Play Day aims to inspire and encourage students who enjoy playing an instrument and give them an insight into their daily work as a professional musician.
Nancy Shakerley, Disney Theatrical Group’s Education and Audience Engagement Manager said, “We are excited to hear from young musicians in the Yorkshire area who would like to take part in this event. It’s a great opportunity for any musician who is considering a career in the creative industries. Participants will work with our orchestra, network with other musicians, and perform on the Alhambra Stage”
Following the success of four music play days with The Lion King in Glasgow, Manchester, and two in London, Disney Theatrical Group are thrilled to see this impactful initiative reach further.
The wonderful music in Disney’s Aladdin features songs from the animated film, as well as new music by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin.
Interested candidates can apply at https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk/music-play-day/and the closing date is Thursday 11 July at 10 am.
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.