SINGER SHASHAA TIRUPATI ON HER MUSICAL SUCCESS
by ASJAD NAZIR
VERY few singers have won the prestigious National Award in India and Shashaa Tirupati is one of them. The versatile singer and songwriter added to her list of achievements with the honour, which has included delivering songs in different languages and genres.
The award-winning singing sensation has mixed up songs in films with impressive original material that has delighted critics and fans alike. She has sung in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Arabic and English. Some of her successes include Humma Humma, Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga, Baarish and Hawa Hawai.
Eastern Eye caught up with the Shashaa Tirupati for a free-flowing conversation about music and her future plans.
Do you remember the first time you fell in love with music?
It was at home, listening to old Mohammad Rafi, Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar classics in Vancouver, where I grew up. Hearing their soundtracks made me fall in love with music.
Which artists influenced you most growing up?
My biggest influences were Madan Mohan, AR Rahman sir and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Who discovered your singing talent?
It was my parents. Also Pandit Jasraj Ji and AR Rahman sir.
How did you feel recording your first song?
I felt I would be a big star overnight. And boy, was I wrong.
Which are the songs that are closest to your heart?
Gurus Of Peace by AR Rahman sir and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It is a song I had the privilege of covering. Also, any Mohammad Rafi song. Among my songs, it would be Vaan Varuvaan for which I got the National and Filmfare Award.
How do you generate so much emotion in your songs?
I attach myself to the sentiment of the song and organically associate experiences from my life with those sentiments.
What has been your most memorable performance?
Every live performance is special, but three come to mind. The O2 Arena, London, with AR Rahman sir, the Taalkatora Indoor Stadium competing at a national competition and the Plaza of Nations as an eight-year-old before an audience of 25,000 people.
What is the master plan for 2020 and did you make a new year’s resolution?
The plan is to release two albums over the course of the year featuring all of my original music independently. (Laughs) In terms of resolutions, to lose eight kilos.
What music dominates your own playlist?
The Japanese House, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Billie Eilish, Ray Montagne, Vance Joy, The 1975, Novo Amor and Vancouver Sleep Clinic.
Is there one song you never tire of listening?
That would be True Love Waits by Radiohead
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Top of the list are Amber Bain of The Japanese House, Ed Tullet, and Bon Iver.
If you could learn something new in music what would it be?
Polishing my guitar playing and music production skills.
If you could ask any artist, alive or dead, any question, who would it be and what would you ask?
I’d ask Freddie Mercury what contributed to the emotion in his songs, writing and dynamic performances.
Why do you love music?
But music is love.
What inspires you?
Heartbreak inspires me.
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
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.