Indian-American singer and entrepreneur Chandrika Tandon made history at the 2025 Grammy Awards by winning the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her album Triveni. The prestigious award, presented on February 2 in Los Angeles, marks a significant milestone in her career and highlights the growing recognition of Indian talent on the global stage.
Triveni, a collaborative effort with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, blends Vedic chants with meditative tones and world music. The album’s seven tracks, including Pathway to Light and Seeking Shakti, offer a serene and immersive experience, earning widespread acclaim for its unique fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.
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Dressed in an elegant silk salwar kurta and her signature necklace, Tandon proudly represented India at the ceremony. She was among a select group of Indian-origin artists nominated this year, including Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Radhika Vekaria. Her victory underscores the increasing influence of Indian musicians in international music circles.
Born in Chennai, Tandon is a multifaceted personality—business leader, philanthropist, and Grammy-nominated musician. She is the elder sister of Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, and has carved her own path with remarkable achievements. After graduating from IIM Ahmedabad, she became the first Indian-American woman to be named a partner at McKinsey & Company.
Chandrika Tandon and her team share the moment of triumph as they accept the Grammy 2025 for TriveniGetty Images
Tandon’s musical journey began with her debut album, Soul Call, which earned a Grammy nomination in 2011. Her latest win for Triveni cements her place as a global musical force. Beyond music, she is known for her philanthropic efforts, including a $100 million donation to NYU’s School of Engineering with her husband, Ranjan Tandon.
In her acceptance speech, Tandon expressed gratitude for the power of music, calling it a source of “love, light, and laughter.” Her win is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of India’s rich musical heritage and its growing impact on the world stage.
As Triveni continues to resonate with listeners, Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy victory stands as a testament to her talent, perseverance, and dedication to bridging cultures through music.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 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.