DELHI-BASED Arnav Maggo has been making a name for himself with top tracks like Jo Tu Hai Yahaan, Aa Chalein Hum Kahin, It's Hard Staying Apart and his most recent release
Look At Me Now.
The versatile singer, songwriter and musician started playing guitar when he was 13-year-old and started exploring his artistic voice during his time at New York University.
The self-taught musician has since then carved out a singing career and was happy to choose 10 songs that he currently loves.
Wild Blue by John Mayer: This track is from his latest album Sob Rock. The groove is one of the things that got me hooked to this. The beat along with the guitar tone remind me of songs from the ‘80s. The vocal melody is catchy, and the production does an amazing job of creating a classy vibe. The guitar solo, like in many of Mayer’s songs, is well-crafted too.
O by Coldplay: The piano part, which forms the base of this song, is beautiful. I could listen to it on its own all day. Chris Martin’s vocals compliment it very well, and all the elements mix to create a dreamy and soulful tune.
Look At Me Now by Arnav Maggo: The first thing I came up with was the main hook, which I could not stop humming to myself. Eventually, it evolved into a song, which did not have too many elements but still seemed very full and complete. An interesting addition was the Rhodes piano, which creates a nice and warm vintage vibe. This song is a story of two people who have decided to end things after realising they are somehow not right for each other, despite having immense love. It is also about the confusion and uneasiness that comes when one of them is able to move on and let go much faster than the other.
Mann Bharryaa by B Praak: Like everyone else right now, I am in love with this one. I have always found the Punjabi language to be very warm and endearing, and the lyrics of the song are very touching. That along with B Praak’s passionate performance make this one a quality track.
World Turns Grey by Robin Schulz (Ft. Princess Chelsea): The chord progression and melody that goes over it are particularly intriguing. Robin Schulz’s beats and production create an amazing atmosphere. I always end up listening to this one on loop.
Jo Tu Hai Yahaan by Arnav Maggo: I wrote this song about finding light at the end of the tunnel and finally coming across someone or something that pulls you out of the limbo that you have been in for so long. It always calms me down whenever I sing it. While making it I was very happy with the way the guitar-work turned out and the track’s general warmth.
True Love Waits by Radiohead: By now you have probably noticed my fondness for emotional songs. Radiohead first performed this song in 1995 but did not release it as part of a record until 2016 –maybe they were waiting for the right overall sound and context for it. Their songs really get you in a certain zone and make you think. This is certainly one of them! I am in awe of the melody, emotions, and music behind this one. I listen to it on loop every time I visit it.
Rehna Tu by AR Rahman: This is one of my all-time favourites and indeed a unique song. I particularly like the story behind the song and how it is presented. The melody and instrumental part at the end are unbelievable.
Thistle & Weeds by Mumford & Songs: If you read just the lyrics of this song, you’ll see that they are actually very well-written poetry. This one, like many of their songs, feels like an intense journey with some very high-energy parts and intimate moments. Their choice of traditional instruments like the banjo makes this one intriguing.
Amsterdam by Gregory Alan Isakov: He is a master storyteller and lyricist. This song is beautifully crafted with stellar production. The arrangement is tasteful. He uses just the right amount of everything. It gets you in a beautiful zone.
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.