HYDERABAD-BASED trio Five YearsFromNow have carved out a unique niche with their eclectic sound, blending diverse musical influences into compelling tracks.
Their recently released single Kya Hua takes listeners on an intimate journey of self-awareness and discovery, adding another milestone to their impressive repertoire. With more music on the way, the talented band – Kai Gurung (lyricist and vocalist), Sumanth Krishna Battu (producer), and Shan Paul (drummer) – are undoubtedly ones to watch.
Eastern Eye asked the band members to share 10 songs they love, revealing what inspires their creative journey.
Alors on Danse by Stromae: This track marked the beginning of our producer’s journey. Its simplicity, as reflected in the music video, resonated deeply, inspiring him to dive into DAWs, synths, and MIDI. That initial spark eventually led to making beats, and the journey has been fulfilling ever since.
Something Comforting by Porter Robinson: The production on this track is exceptional, with a unique glitch effect between two voices towards the end that we find incredibly cool. Porter Robinson is a hugely underrated artist whose mastery of harmony and rhythm inspires us greatly.
Delilah by Fred Again: This song never fails to uplift. Its energy is infectious and makes it our go-to track when heading out on a road trip. It always sets the perfect mood.
Grip by OAFF: The subtle drop with its soft kick and synth creates a sense of longing, a recurring theme in our songwriting. The music video is equally captivating and a must-watch for anyone listening to this track.
Father Ocean by Ben Böhmer: This is a comfort song for all of us. Its unique sonic elements and timeless hook evoke calm and therapeutic emotions. The drop feels like a wave of serenity – a track that feels like free therapy.
Gravity and Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (Live at Nokia Theater, 2007) by John Mayer: We couldn’t pick just one. These live versions showcase Mayer’s iconic guitar solos, emotive lines, and the incredible band backing him up. We’ve also always been fans of his song writing.
Valentine by Ron Cha: Ron is a genius storyteller, and this song is a lesson in songwriting and composition. It begins with warm emotions and ends with an air of uncertainty, leaving us wondering if the entire Valentine was just a dream.
Faint by Linkin Park: This track was the spark that drove our drummer to pick up the sticks. Its raw energy and relentless beat demonstrated the emotional power rhythm can bring to a song.
Beast and the Harlot by Avenged Sevenfold: Pure adrenaline in musical form, every beat and fill in this track hits differently. It’s a masterclass in how drumming can drive a song forward with precision and power.
Kya Hua by Five Years FromNow: This track holds a special place in our hearts. It carried us through tough times and reaffirmed our belief in our music. It’s a looper for us, and we’d love to hear what it reminds listeners of or makes them think about.
Instagram: @five_yearsfromnow
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.