THE annual Darbar festival gives Indian classical music fans a feast of fabulous live performances. This dynamic double bill at Barbican Hall in London perhaps summed up everything that makes it such an important, vibrant and entertaining date in the calendar every year.
Sarod maestro Amaan Ali Bangash, often seen on stage with his talented brother Ayaan Ali Bangash and legendary father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, showed that he is a formidable solo performer. He began the show by playing an impressive repertoire of music that encompassed different moods and emotions. By enabling him to make his UK solo debut, Darbar gave a platform to an artist who will keep alive his impressive musical lineage, which has stretched for seven generations, for decades to come. Anubrata Chatterjee, accompanying on tabla, gave an already energetic performance added power with his mastery on stage.
In the second half, legendary musician Dr L Subramaniam teamed up with his son Ambi Subramaniam for a world-class violin concert. Both showed absolute brilliance on the much-loved instrument, as they glided through different genres and styles with effortless ease. Accompanied by wonderful musicians, the duo used the violin to show how music can be a unifying force.
The performances, rooted in ancient tradition, not only united different generations, but also crossed cultures, as they enthralled a packed audience from diverse backgrounds. The stage was also filled with musicians at different stages of their respective journeys, ranging from current stars to future icons.
All this perhaps sums up what Darbar is about. Those who missed the stunning series of concerts, including this one, can watch the performances on Sky Arts later this year. They are timeless and brilliant, like this near-perfect double bill, which took audiences on a memorable journey.
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.