Kerala-born, Houston-raised rapper Hanumankind is back with a bang, delivering his latest single, Run It Up. The track, produced by longtime collaborator Kalmi, brings an intense fusion of hip-hop and traditional Indian sounds, with the chenda, a powerful percussion instrument from Kerala, setting the pulse. And what do we get? A high-energy track with raw lyricism and thunderous beats, creating a piece that feels both deeply rooted as well as a global banger!
The song dives into themes of ambition, struggle, and resilience, with Hanumankind’s verses hitting like a war cry. “There ain’t a dude with the drive and the vision like I have unless I go look in the mirror, baby!” he raps, making it clear that he’s betting on himself to go even bigger.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
The accompanying music video, directed by Bijoy Shetty, is an absolute visual treat that presents India’s rich cultural landscape. Featuring traditional martial arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang Ta, and Mardani Khel, along with the mesmerising Theyyam dance, the video is like an homage to India’s diverse artistic heritage. The powerful shots perfectly complement the song’s beats and intensity, bringing out Hanumankind’s signature style of blending deep cultural roots with a modern rap vibe.
This release comes just ahead of a major career milestone for the rapper—his debut performance at Coachella! With Run It Up, Hanumankind is sure to bring India’s thriving hip-hop scene to a global audience, following in the footsteps of artists like Diljit Dosanjh, who also made history at the festival last year.
His previous hit, Big Dawgs, became a worldwide sensation, earning a spot in the Top 10 of the Billboard Global 200 and racking up millions of streams across platforms. The track’s viral success, along with its daring music video, set in a ‘well of death’ stunt arena, made Hanumankind one of the most exciting voices in contemporary rap.
As Run It Up takes over playlists, fans are eager to see what’s next for the rapper, who continues to push boundaries and put Indian hip-hop on the map. With unmatched energy and a sound that bridges worlds, Hanumankind is proving that his rise is just getting started.
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.