RISING MUSIC STAR RAHUL JAIN ON HIS SONGS, SUCCESS AND STUNNING LIVE PERFORMANCES
by ASJAD NAZIR
RISING star Rahul Jain has delivered a remarkable array of music in projects ranging from TV serials to superb solo songs.
Recently released song Badnaam has added to his growing list of hits and clocked up millions of views on YouTube in a short space of time.
The singer, songwriter and composer is also an impressive live performer with an ability to connect with audiences.
With more songs on the way, Rahul is a music talent who is set to rise further, and he was happy to get in the Eastern Eye hot seat before going interstellar to answer some key questions.
What first connected you to music?
The beauty of music and its diversity connected me to it from a young age. That musical connection has been there for as long as I can remember and gets stronger by the day.
Which of your musical projects has given you the greatest joy?
Honestly, every single project I have worked on gives me joy so I cannot select just one. Each piece of music has a part of me in it.
Are you able to tell if a song will be a hit while recording it?
Yes, I can sense it, but the final boss will always be the audience. They will decide what will be a hit or a miss, and I am thankful for their support.
You are a versatile artist, but which genre of music are you most drawn towards?
I love rock, folk and experimental, but will always remain open to all musical genres.
You have also done some stunning cover versions. Which has been your favourite?
Tere Jaisa Yaar Kaha is my favourite one. I had actually created that for a friend and it became viral quite unexpectedly.
You put a lot of emotion in your songs. Where does that come from?
I just try to feel every word in the lyrics, so the emotion comes organically, I guess. You have to really feel a song if you are singing it, whether it is happy or sad.
Who is your own musical hero?
Everyone I come across who are doing good music is my hero, as I learn new things from everyone. I feel that I have been fortunate enough to meet a lot of such heroes on my musical journey.
How much does performing live mean to you and what would you say has been the most memorable event?
That’s the best part of my musical journey. You feel at the top of the world when people come in numbers to listen to you and sing along. It really is just an amazing feeling. My most memorable one is when I performed solo for a concert in Durban, South Africa, where people came in large numbers for me.
What kind of music dominates your own personal playlist?
My playlist is mainly dominated by Bollywood music, but as I said, I am open to all kinds of music.
What is the master plan going forward for your music?
I am just planning to make something which I like myself and hopefully, even the listeners will have an equally strong connection to it.
Whom would you love to collaborate with?
Some international collaboration would be lovely.
What inspires you?
Every sound I come across or every situation that inspires me musically.
If you could learn something new in music, what would it be?
I would love to learn more of western music.
Finally, why do you love music?
Music is just so beautiful and has actually given me everything in my life. It is my sense of peace.
Instagram: @rahuljainofficiall
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.