NEW TALENT ABDULLAH MUZAFFAR ON HIS IMPRESSIVE RISE
by ASJAD NAZIR
PAKISTAN has an incredibly rich history of producing world-class singers, and there is now an exciting new generation to carry that impressive legacy forward.
One of the super solo artists generating noise in the country right now and making waves internationally is Abdullah Muzaffar. The Lahore-based singer already has a number of hit songs to his name, including Dunya Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein, Dil Mera, Raakh and Besabra, along with videos that have generated millions of views on YouTube.
Eastern Eye caught up with rapidly rising star Abdullah Muzaffar to find out more.
Do you remember the first time you fell in love with music?
I have always been an admirer of music since I was a child; so, it has been with me for as long as I can remember. In my mid-teens, I gave it a lot more attention and that’s when I started to fall in love with music. That love for music has grown ever since then, and I am sure will grow even stronger in the years to come.
Was there any one artist or song that influenced you?
There have been so many great artists that inspired me, so there isn’t just one. Some of my inspirations are Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saab, John Legend, Bruno Mars and Kishore Kumar.
How did you first discover your talent?
It was back in my school days when teachers encouraged me to perform at school events. Honestly speaking, I loved music, but I had no idea I was capable of singing. Then I realised I always had it in me and after that there was no looking back.
How did you feel recording your first song?
I was nervous to be honest. That was the time I took music seriously and felt I needed to work on my skills and knowledge regarding music. Music is one of those crafts where the learning never stops.
You have done a number of songs since then, but which is closest to your heart?
Every song is a piece of me. I would say for every artist, even his scrap work is as valuable and important as a big hit. But yes, there’s always one closest to the heart for certain reasons and for me that would be Dil Mera. That song will always remain special for me.
You are exceptional when singing live, what has been your most memorable performance?
I wouldn’t call it a proper performance but the time when I first sang in front of my mother is a moment I will never forget. The appreciation and love that she gave me was so overwhelming that none of the big concerts are as special as compared to this little memorable performance.
What can we expect from you next?
I just want to carry on making good music and growing my knowledge with each release. You can expect the deeply romantic songs I am known for, but you will also be getting some party tracks.
Did you make a new year’s resolution?
Although it is good to set goals, I am someone who believes in being open to positive change all year round. So yes, there are things I want to do, and inshallah, they will happen. But more music and live performances are definitely on that to-do list.
What music dominates your own playlist?
My playlist will change depending on various factors, but recently, I have been listening to EDM a lot. So, any good EDM tune will be in it.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
There are so many great artists out there I would love to collaborate with in some way, even if it is just a jamming session. Jaaani is one of the finest writers of this era, and I would love to work with him.
What is the best musical advice you ever got?
I think the best advice is, ‘to be yourself’ and that has served me well.
If you could learn something new in music what would it be?
Like I said, with music, the learning never stops. If I had to choose one thing then I would love to learn playing the rabab. It’s a beautiful instrument to hear.
Why do you love music?
Everyone loves music, and I am just one of the many who does. Music is a beautiful form of art. It has so many expressions and emotions in it. You just don’t hear music, you feel it. And that is why I love music.
What inspires you?
Everything and every person is an inspiration if you are an observer and learner, which I am.
Instagram: @abdullahmuzaffar
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.