Ed Sheeran is back with a new song, Azizam, a bright, dance-friendly track that steps away from the stripped-back style of his last two albums. The title, which means “my dear” in Farsi, nods to the song’s Persian influences not just in name, but in sound and spirit too.
At the heart of the track is a collaboration with producer Illya Salmanzadeh, who drew on his Iranian heritage to shape the song’s direction. Together, they layered Western pop with traditional Middle Eastern instruments like the santur (a hammered dulcimer from Iran) and the ghatam (a clay pot drum from South India), blending cultures in a way that still sounds unmistakably Sheeran.
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He first performed the song during a surprise gig in New Orleans, backed by the Soul Rebels brass band. Since then, he's played it live for a taxi driver in India, dropped a colourful “pink heart” music video filmed across the US and Ipswich, and teased fans with behind-the-scenes clips. The song also features vocals from the Citizens of the World Choir, a group made up of refugees and supporters which adds an extra layer of global unity to the project.
This isn't Sheeran’s first time experimenting with international sounds. From Afrobeat collaborations with Burna Boy to singing in Punjabi on stage in Mumbai, he’s long shown interest in pushing musical boundaries while staying rooted in pop. Azizam continues that trend, a cross-cultural effort that still delivers the kind of instantly memorable hook he’s known for.
The track arrives just as Sheeran prepares to launch a new album series. The upcoming record, Play, will be followed by Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward and Stop, as he shifts gears after the more introspective tone of Subtract and Autumn Variations. Those albums earned him some of his best critical feedback but fell short commercially and that is a rare dip in a decade-long chart-topping run.
Ed Sheeran gears up for a new musical era with the release of his culturally inspired single, ‘Azizam’Getty Images
Whether Azizam brings him back to billion-stream status remains to be seen, but the track is already generating buzz. Fans are praising its cultural nods and feel-good vibe, while critics note that the Persian elements feel more like light seasoning than a deep dive. Still, it’s catchy, it’s warm, and it marks a fresh step for a pop star who knows how to keep listeners dancing.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.