One of the brightest new stars on the pop music scene is Natania Lalwani. The top talent from Mumbai, now based in Los Angeles, has gone from songwriting collaborations with heavy hitters Bella Poarch, Eric Nam, Gucci Mane, Skrillex, Armaan Malik, Ali Sethi, Nick Jonas and Jared Leto to a strong start as a solo artist.
The singer/songwriter, who captivates listeners with her interesting sound, impactful lyrics and relatable presence, recently released her debut single, Gulzar, with new label Desi Trill.
With more exciting songs on the way, Eastern Eye caught up with an artist you will be hearing more about to discuss her music journey. She also spoke about the thrill of having her song in Hollywood blockbuster The Fall Guy and what inspires her.
What first connected you to music?
My mom loved listening to music growing up, so I think I got my first connection through her. I would have my headphones in all the time. But when I wrote my first song at 15, I immediately knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
What made you want to move from Mumbai to Los Angeles?
I really wanted to learn songwriting and go to college for music. I didn’t know anything about the craft, publishing, or the music business. I learned so much in college. Then I ended up going back and forth between LA and Mumbai, trying to pave my way in both places.
How do you reflect on your action-packed journey so far?
I’m honestly truly grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I’m also so happy that I’ve stuck it out all these years and had complete tunnel vision. Getting to create music every day for a living is truly a dream. I’m so excited I get to wake up dreaming every day.
Which of your songwriting collaborations is close to your heart?
I love all of them. But I think my favourites are You with Armaan Malik. It was such a beautiful song to create and Maan Meri Jaan/Afterlife with King and Nick Jonas, as we were able to create such a global culture moment with that one.
Which film/TV projects did you most enjoy?
I love anything film/TV related, because that’s how I discovered most of my music growing up, so it always feels full circle to me. One that I really loved working on was Netflix’s (film) Wedding Season.
How did you feel about a song you wrote being featured in Hollywood film The Fall Guy?
It was so cool. Watching it in theatres and seeing the credits was pretty crazy. A pinch-me moment, for sure.
Was the plan always to release solo material?
Actually, no. I had been just focusing on writing for other people for the past couple of years and loved it. When I met Shabz and Ty Ty (Desi Trill), they brought it up to me and we just had a really inspiring conversation, and I was in. It truly feels like one of the best decisions I’ve made, and the shoe just fit. I’m so excited to share my own music with the world now.
Natania Lalwani recently released her debut single, Gulzar, with new label Desi Trill
What inspired your debut single Gulzar?
Gulzar was based on a conversation I had with someone I was talking to. (Laughs) I was spilling out a lot of feelings. I went into the studio that night with my best friends and wrote Gulzar about that conversation and the euphoric feeling of falling in love.
What is the plan going forward?
The plan is just a lot of music coming out shortly. I used to be a big planner, but I’ve been learning to just go with the flow, as there are always so many twists and turns along the way.
Which of your unreleased songs are you most excited about?
There’s a song I’m thinking of releasing next called Know It All. It’s probably one of the most personal ones, which is scary to release, but what’s the fun if you aren’t vulnerable. So, I’m actually super excited about that one.
How much does being a songwriter help you as an artist?
Songwriting is my first love. It gets under your skin and doesn’t let you hide. It’s my way of processing everything I’m feeling, even when I don’t know I’m feeling it. It makes you wear your heart on your sleeve as an artist, and I think that’s what truly being an artist is.
What music dominates your personal playlist?
Right now, it’s a mixture of Taylor Swift, Griff, Arizona, Coldplay, Chappell Roan, and Raye.
Tell us something about you not many people know?
I was a premature baby. (Laughs) I clearly didn’t have any patience - I was ready to come out into the world. And I can’t whistle.
Who is your music hero?
I would say Taylor Swift. I’m so in awe of her songwriting and what she’s built from her emotions.
What inspires you?
Anything and everything. Everyday life, people watching, my feelings, conversations, emotions, love, humans, coffee shops, movies, and books. I could go on.
Instagram: @nataniamusic
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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.