THE late, great qawwali icon Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan crossed over into the Western mainstream after signing with Real World Records in 1989. He released a series of astounding albums that captivated the music world.
During his tenure with the label, he recorded several unreleased songs that were thought to have been lost forever. Fortunately, these tracks were recently rediscovered, remastered, and released on this four-track album. The traditional songs recorded with his eight-strong ensemble of singers and musicians showcase the revered singer at the peak of his ability.
The album opens with Ya Allah Ya Rehman, which flows effortlessly and is infused with infectious rhythms. This crisp version, lasting just under 11 minutes, melds graceful power with exquisite instrumentation and ranks among his finest work. Aaj Sik Mitran Di is another masterpiece, displaying the vocal acrobatics of a singing sensation who blends deep emotion with musical mastery and heartfelt spirituality.
A hidden gem on the album, the previously unheard Ya Gaus Ya Meeran, begs the question of why such a great track was never released before. This hypnotic qawwali, just over nine minutes long, features impressive changes of pace, vocal mastery, and a tempo that builds up impressively.
It’s a piece that contemporary qawwali groups around the world will likely add to their repertoires in the years ahead, though matching Nusrat’s vocal achievement on this recording will be a formidable challenge.
The album concludes with its longest track, Khabram Raseed Imshab, another infectious composition built around a celestial voice. Spanning just over 11 minutes, this track and every other on the album remind us of the exceptional quality of his musicians and backing singers, who add an extra layer of depth to these lyrically strong qawwalis.
Available in multiple formats, including limited edition LP versions, this album is a testament to why the late maestro was a musical giant whose legacy will be treasured forever.
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.