Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member and solo artist, has recently opened up about the heartwarming bond he shares with his three-year-old daughter Khai, whom he shares with ex Gigi Hadid.
In a recent interview obtained by E! News, Malik revealed the adorable way Khai perceives his music.
According to Malik, Khai has developed a charming habit whenever she hears music.
"Ever since learning her dad is a singer, she's known to ask people whenever any song is playing, 'Is my baba singing?'" Malik shared, highlighting his daughter's innocent fascination with his profession.
The 31-year-old artist expressed how fatherhood has profoundly impacted his life, emphasising Khai's role in giving him purpose and inspiration.
"Being a father has only inspired me and made me a better human. My daughter is my whole life and has given me purpose," Malik shared, reflecting on the joys and responsibilities of parenting," according to E! News.
Malik also discussed Khai's budding interest in music, noting her developing sense of rhythm, particularly when she plays drums.
He credited her rhythmic abilities to her mother, Gigi Hadid, recalling how she excelled at rhythm games like Guitar Hero, surpassing Malik himself.
The family's decision to raise Khai away from the spotlight on their rural Pennsylvania farm has been pivotal for Malik.
He described their idyllic life, filled with outdoor activities like gardening, camping, and fishing, which they enjoy together to create lasting memories.
"When I found out that my partner at the time was pregnant, I pretty quickly made up my mind that this would be a great place to raise a child because there's so much for her to do here," Malik shared in an earlier interview, according by E! News.
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.