Shannon K is stepping into the global spotlight this April as she prepares to perform at Coachella 2025. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, who also happens to be the daughter of Bollywood legend Kumar Sanu, is about to make history. She will be the first independent Indian-origin artist representing India at the festival. It is a big leap not only for her career but also for indie musicians from the South Asian diaspora.
While names like Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon have already taken Indian music to Coachella’s stage, Shannon brings something different. Her sound blends indie-pop with classic Bollywood influences, giving us a fusion that reflects both her upbringing and global exposure, adding a fresh layer of representation.
Shannon K gears up for her Coachella debut, blending indie-pop with a touch of Bollywood nostalgiaGetty Images
The festival is set across two weekends from April 11–13 and April 18–20 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Each year, it draws over 120,000 people from across the world, making it one of the biggest music stages globally.
Shannon will be performing a set that includes original tracks like Give Me Your Hand, Always, and A Longtime, songs that have earned her recognition abroad. Fans can also expect to hear OMT, her collaboration with Sonu Nigam, and tributes to her father’s iconic Bollywood hits. It’s truly this mix of personal identity and cultural homage that sets her apart.
In a note shared ahead of the performance, Shannon said this opportunity is a dream for many independent South Asian artists who often find themselves overlooked on international stages. She pointed out that while Indian music spans a wide range of genres from classical and folk to pop and R&B, much of it remains underrepresented in the global music scene.
Her Coachella debut is a statement. For young indie artists with roots in India, especially those working outside the mainstream, this moment signals that doors are opening. And for Shannon, it’s her time to shine!
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.