Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Hitha: Special is dedicated to an important person in someone’s life

TALENTED newcomer Hitha wanted to give young people a voice and made that happen with her recently released song Special.

The 14-year-old, based in San Ramon, California, sees the uplifting pop number as a dedication to anyone special in someone’s life, from friends to relatives, who sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve.


It also conveys a message to teens that their opinions matter. The follow up to her debut song Standing Up With Pride has received a positive response.

Eastern Eye caught up with multi-talented teenager Hitha to talk about music, her new single and plans for the future.

What first connected you to music?

I started singing Indian classical when I was four. It helped me with many vocal/technical attributes and made me realise that music is my passion. Basically, it gave me the foundation to build my music future on.

Tell us, who have been your biggest musical influences?

There are many. When I was younger, I used to sing Indian classical songs along with my grandmother. She is the biggest influence on my life. Also, I got inspired by Emma Watson and Taylor Swift as they started their career very young, and still manage to stay relevant in the industry.

What led to your single Special?

A lot of times, pop songs are focused on romantic relationships and overlook all the other possible relationships. However, my song Special is about any person that you care for. I sang this song for my grandmother. She was very important to me.

Tell us more about the song?

Special is about a special person in your life. This song is dedicated to that person. Also, we have tried to blend melodies, emotion, poetry and unique instruments. So we have used the saxophone and flute; instruments that give richness and purity to this song. The flute is especially close to my background of traditional Indian classical music.

Will this be the kind of music you want to make?

I want to experiment and make all kinds of music. Also, I love to inspire and help people through my music. For example, my next single Independent reinforces the importance of being strong, positive and independent in life when going through rough times.

How did you feel when the song was finished and you heard it?

I was very happy. It is pure magic listening to the sax and flute together.

Who are you hoping connects with the song?

Everyone, as all can connect to that special person in their life.

Tell us, what is your biggest ambition in music?

My dream is to inspire people and make them smile when they are having a bad day. Also, the majority of my fans are teenagers. The teenage years are overwhelming and stressful. I try to inspire young people with my music and want to let them know that by focusing on what they want to achieve in life and with a positive mentality, they can overcome any hurdle. I would like to be seen as an artist who is out there to give the young a voice.

What else can we expect from you?

It feels great about releasing my own music and I will keep writing and creating more music. I’m also planning on collaborating with other artists.

Who is your musical hero?

As I mentioned before, I’m inspired and influenced by many. Some of them are MS Subbalakshmi and Taylor Swift. I really like when people convert their hardships and negative experiences in life into positivity.

Tell us, what music dominates your personal playlist?

Mostly upbeat pop songs, a few ballads, new music and also world music. In future, I will be experimenting more to fuse world music with pop.

What inspires you as an artist?

Everyday life. I get inspired by daily things that happen to people and by those who find great things in life through their struggles.

Why do you love music?

I can explain my emotions better through music. Everyone can relate to it no matter where they are. It’s a global language. It’s a great platform to inspire teens.

Visit Facebook: @Hith2018, Twitter @ByHitha, Instagram: @hitha_music and www.hitha.me

More For You

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Cardi B poses with a live crow outside the Petit Palais in Paris

Instagram/lamodemagazine__

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Quick highlights:

  • Cardi B appeared at Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 couture show in Paris holding a live crow on her arm.
  • Her dramatic black gown was designed by Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s creative director.
  • The surreal look paid tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy of theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion.
  • The show marked a shift in Roseberry’s aesthetic, away from corsetry towards freer silhouettes.

Paris Couture Week opened on a dramatic note this year as Cardi B made a startling entrance at the Petit Palais wearing a black Schiaparelli gown, with a live crow perched on her arm. The rapper’s appearance outside the venue sent photographers scrambling as the bird flapped and squawked, setting the tone for a show rooted in tension, elegance, and surrealism.

The outfit, crafted by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 collection, featured graphic fringe and a towering beaded neckline. But it was the crow, alive, glaring, and restless, that stole the spotlight, embodying the fashion house’s long-standing obsession with the unexpected.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor joins growing criticism of Prada’s uncredited use of Indian design

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor mocks Prada with her ‘OG Kolhapuri’ post as fashion giant faces backlash over copied design

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor posted a cheeky Instagram Story flaunting Kolhapuri chappals, saying, “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri.”
  • Her post follows outrage over Prada’s ‘toe-ring sandals’ resembling the Indian Kolhapuri design.
  • A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Prada for unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri style without credit.
  • Prada acknowledged the inspiration and agreed to meet Indian artisans for dialogue.

Kareena Kapoor took a subtle yet sharp swipe at luxury fashion label Prada amid growing controversy around its recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals’, a design that closely mirrors India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Without naming the brand, Kareena shared a photo of her feet in silver Kolhapuri slippers during her London vacation and captioned it: “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️.”

The actor’s post struck a chord with many online, surfacing just days after Prada came under fire for allegedly copying the Kolhapuri design without acknowledgment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield  at Wimbledon

Garfield and Barbaro twin in Ralph Lauren for their most public appearance yet

Instagram/voguemagazine

Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield quietly confirm relationship with Wimbledon appearance

Quick highlights:

  • Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro stepped out in matching Ralph Lauren looks at Wimbledon 2025.
  • The couple shared affectionate moments courtside, including hand-holding and a cheek kiss.
  • They were first linked romantically in February after being spotted at a London play.
  • The pair may reunite on screen in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro made their most public appearance yet as a couple on Sunday, arriving hand-in-hand at Wimbledon 2025 in coordinated white ensembles and sharing subtle yet sweet moments of affection. The actors, who were first rumoured to be dating in February, looked completely in sync as they entered the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on 6 July. Dressed in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, the two smiled for cameras and appeared relaxed throughout the day.

  Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro arrive hand in hand at Wimbledon in all whiteInstagram/voguemagazine

Keep ReadingShow less
Kantara Chapter

Rishab Shetty battles through flames in new Kantara Chapter 1 poster

‘Kantara Chapter 1’ poster released on Rishab Shetty’s birthday, confirms October 2025 theatrical date

Quick highlights:

  • Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-awaited prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, releases in cinemas on 2 October 2025.
  • Poster unveiled on Rishab Shetty’s 42nd birthday shows him in an intense warrior avatar.
  • The film explores the divine origins of Panjurli and Guliga, expanding the Kantara mythology.
  • Massive action sequences filmed with 3,000 participants over 50 days make it one of India’s biggest productions.

Rishab Shetty gave fans a fierce first glimpse into Kantara: Chapter 1 on his 42nd birthday, unveiling a new poster that shows him in full warrior mode. The upcoming prequel to the 2022 Kannada hit Kantara is now officially set to release on 2 October 2025. Directed and headlined once again by Shetty, the film is expected to dive deep into the spiritual and mythological roots of the original story.

   Kantara Chapter 1 poster  Instagram/rishabshettyofficial  

Keep ReadingShow less
Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik shares a moody preview of his upcoming song Fuchsia Sea

Getty Images

Zayn Malik raps about racism he experienced as Asian member of One Direction in "Fuchsia Sea"

Quick highlights:

  • Zayn Malik previewed a new track, Fuchsia Sea, on Instagram, touching on racism he experienced during his One Direction years.
  • “They still laughed at the Asian,” he raps, alluding to feeling othered despite success.
  • Malik was the only South Asian member of the band, which included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne.
  • The track marks a rare public reflection on the racial dynamics behind his 2015 departure from the group.

Zayn Malik is turning to music to process the discrimination he says he experienced during his time with One Direction. On Saturday, 5 July, the 32-year-old singer previewed a raw and emotional rap song titled Fuchsia Sea, sharing a clip and lyrics on Instagram that many fans believe directly address racism he faced as the only South Asian member of the global boy band.

In the verse, Malik raps: “I worked hard in a White band, and they still laughed at the Asian.” The line immediately sparked intense conversation online, with listeners pointing out how it echoed long-suspected tensions about racial identity and representation during his tenure in One Direction.

Keep ReadingShow less