AFTER announcing himself with cutting edge Punjabi singles, talented music producer AS Kullar has gone in a different direction by teaming up with MC Beant for his debut EP The Rules Of Engagement. His first purely hip hop release in English brings out the best in Beant and shows of his versatility as a beat-maker, with music mixing up different genres seamlessly.
Eastern Eye decided to find out more about the rising music star from Birmingham by getting him to select songs he loves.
Soundz Of The Des by Panjabi MC:
This track was completely ahead of its time and a masterclass in understated production.
Deeper by Freddie Gibbs & Madlib:
This album was the soundtrack of my school years. This song in particular highlights the marriage of storytelling bars and soul sampling production.
Wicked Ways by Beant:
My favourite song from the new EP The Rules Of Engagement and probably my best production to date.
Phases by Navy Blue:
My favourite rapper currently. And one of the most abstract rappers ever.
52 Bars by Karan Aujla:
Best Punjabi rap song ever! This is an absolutely brilliant song, lyrically and musically. Power Nap by Boldy James: The marriage of Boldy’s laidback, sinister delivery with Nicholas craven’s beat is perfect. This is something I definitely was looking to emulate with the new EP.
Long Story Short by Rome Streetz:
Harrowingly vivid imagery over dusty, distorted drum breaks! That’s me all over!
Saari Ummar by Tru-Skool & Kaos Productions:
One of my favourite remixes ever. The original by AS Kang is an unbelievable song, but this remix elevates it and makes the song even more timeless.
Can It All Be So Simple by Wu-Tang Clan:
My favourite Wu-Tang song. Their most soulful production, and most ambiguous bars. It is a song that demands relistens.
Nightmares by Clipse:
My favourite song from my favourite 2000s era rap album. This is how you close an album out.
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.