ZAHEER ABBAS KHAN ON CREATING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS THROUGH HIS SONG
FEARLESS independent artists such as Zaheer Abbas Khan are delivering the most inventive songs in British Asian music.
With his new release Allah Jalashan, he has tackled the subject of mental health on a commercial song that fuses rock with classic music. It is the latest step in a journey for the hardworking London based singer and songwriter who believes art can make a positive change.
Eastern Eye caught up with Zaheer Abbas Khan to talk about the new song and the healing power of music.
Tell us about your new song?
My song Allah Jalashan is a fusion of rock and classical vocals. It’s a traditional composition describing how the remembrance of God brings peace to the mind. I wanted to do something different and create a concept that highlights modern day troubles, and uses spirituality and mindfulness as a main tool to combat mental health issues.
Who are you hoping connects with the song?
As it’s a fusion song, I am aiming to appeal to younger and older generations alike. There is an added layer of raising awareness on mental health issues and technology addiction through the video. My aim is for audiences to have an insight into individuals that suffer from mental health issues, as this problem is often brushed under the carpet in the Asian community.
How important is this issue?
It’s an important issue as in this day and age, we are constantly scrolling down our phones and ignoring the world around us. This makes us miserable and has a negative effect on our minds. Studies show that due to overstimulation of the brain, the mental capacity of humans to focus and concentrate is decreasing and depression is on the rise. It’s about time we address this and look at ways to encourage each other to be more mindful around our state of mind.
Do you think music can heal?
Absolutely. Music can have a profound effect on human behaviour. I have seen this first hand when studying Indian classical music. I was fortunate to study various different ragas that could severely alter moods and transport an individual in a completely different realm. This song is based on raag bhairav, which is an early morning raag and used to glorify God and invoke spirituality.
What music dominates your own playlist?
A huge variety of Asian music. I like to listen to pure classical music, Bollywood songs, qawwalis, ghazals, Sufi etc. It all depends on what mood I am in.
What can we expect from you for the rest of year?
After this song, I am due to release another Sufi song Ishq Ibadat, which is an indie-style genre. I will then look to release a soft romantic song at the back end of this year.
What inspires you as an artist?
I like to listen to and watch people who have made a significant difference to the world in their time here. One of them is my icon Muhammad Ali. He is a real life hero who fought adversity, but never gave up on his principles and achieved all that he wanted. This serves as a reminder to myself that no matter how hard life gets, you have to keep on going. I also like to spend time with nature whenever I can to help connect my inner self with the pure outer surroundings. I spent some time in the summer practising by the seashore and the experience was exceptional.
If you could learn something new in music what would it be?
I have always been very fond of the sitar. It is a beautiful instrument and I have been fascinated by its ability to mimic the movements of a human voice. I am amazed at how moving a string in a specific way can create such a beautiful sound.
Why should we pick up your new song Allah Jalashan?
You should pick it up because it is modern, as well as traditional. It is different and highlights a very important issue in the modern day. It demonstrates that through mindfulness and spirituality, we can set ourselves free from our troubles.
Why do you love music?
I love music because of the joy it brings to the whole world. In reality, all of sound is music; every frequency is music. There is rhythm within us through our heartbeat and melody through our voice box. We are all walking instruments and this is what I love about music; that it’s within all of us.
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.