RISING music star Ridi followed up her powerful debut single Top Guy with recently released song Merry Go Round.
She has once again combined meaningful lyrics with commercial music and great vocals on a song exploring the circular nature of life.
The brilliant song continues an interesting journey for the teenage talent, who is also an anti-bullying activist.
Eastern Eye got the young singer-songwriter to select 10 songs she loves.
Papaoutai by Stromae: An absolute legend of a song. I love how Stromae, who is from Belgium but also has roots in other countries, manages to tell the story of his father, while keeping his song so uplifting and danceable.
Stay With Me by Sam Smith: I listen to this amazing song a lot. It not only talks about feelings of insecurity within a relationship, but also about what a toxic relationship can do to someone.
Love On The Brain by Rihanna: I feel like this is one of Rihanna’s best works. It’s so heartfelt yet shows off her voice beautifully.
Top Guy by Ridi: One of the first songs I wrote. I released it when I was 16 and so it has a special place in my heart. High school was never an easy time for me, so I was really expressing the power imbalance I felt not only within, but throughout my life.
Tourner Dans La Vide by Indila: This song for sure comes before her other legendary song Dernier Danse. To any Indila fans out there, please don’t get too mad at me.
Main Shayar To Nahin by Shailendra Singh: This song from classic Indian film Bobby is really very special to me. Not only is it the epitome of my beautiful culture and country but also was the first song my dad sang to my mother. I didn’t know about that connection to my dad but automatically liked it. I was told this after I heard it a few times and it just made the song even more special for me.
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People: This super upbeat song has quite a dark meaning that always makes me geek out. Anyone who has ever felt like a misfit or feels like a misfit can relate to its raw lyrics.
Losing My Religon by R.E.M: What an oldie, but such a goldie. I don’t think I need words to explain why this song is so great.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen: Okay, first of all, this song is a lyrical genius. The way they were able to mix in various genres of music in one song and tell a story is just wow. Who doesn’t geek out to this song?
Merry Go Round by Ridi: Finally, my most recent single and if I may say so, the one I am most proud of. I have managed to mix both the Indian and western sides of myself in a way that not only allows for the story of the song to be enhanced, but it also sound pretty dope. In this song, you will not only hear guitar, but that guitar being complemented with tabla, which is quite a fun mix. So I really hope that you like the song.
Instagram: @realridi; website: www.realridi.com
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.