The star pop singer, Taylor Swift, who has not just won the hearts of 2000s but 90s and 80s kids, has been declared a billionaire by Forbes. Her wealth, attributed to her music career, global tours, and multiple releases has solely contributed to her billionaire status.
She once started with romantic pop songs, Taylor, who is now 34 years old, has a net worth of $110 billion (£87 million) as per recent statistics.
This is a remarkable achievement in Swift's already illustrious career. Confirming longstanding speculations about Swift's wealth, the financial publication estimated her fortune to surpass a billion dollars, landing at an impressive $1.1 billion.
Forbes emphasised that while fellow industry titans like Rihanna and Jay-Z have built considerable fortunes through diverse ventures like fashion brands, alcohol companies, and entertainment holdings, Swift's wealth predominantly stems from her music career. Her remarkable catalogue of songs and groundbreaking achievements, such as hosting the first billion-dollar tour ever with her ongoing Eras Tour, have played a pivotal role in propelling her into the exclusive billionaire club.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Swift possesses a noteworthy real estate portfolio, featuring properties in prime locations such as New York, Beverly Hills, Nashville, and Rhode Island.
Swift's accomplishments extend beyond financial measures; she consistently shatters records and garners accolades in the music industry. Just last year, she clinched her fourth Grammy Award for Best Album, cementing her status as one of the most influential artists of our era.
Songstress Swift joined the ranks of the wealthy elite after attaining megastar status. She dazzled audiences at the recent Grammy Awards, making history as the first artist to claim the coveted Album of the Year prize four times.
Additionally, her album 1989 (Taylor's Version) emerged as the top-selling vinyl LP of the past year.
Swift's influence transcends music; even her attendance at American football games to support her boyfriend Travis Kelce has been credited with boosting NFL viewership.
Taylor Alison Swift was born on December 13, 1989, in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Swift embarked on her professional songwriting journey at the tender age of 14. Her career soared after signing with Big Machine Records in 2005, where she gained widespread recognition in the realms of country-pop with her debut album, Taylor Swift (2006), and its successor, Fearless (2008).
Notable singles like Teardrops on My Guitar, Love Story, and You Belong with Me transcended both country and pop airwaves, catapulting Swift into the mainstream spotlight.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia acknowledged Taylor Swift in its Beige Book, linking the "strongest month for hotel revenue in Philadelphia since the onset of the pandemic" to her Eras Tour. Following this, numerous reports hailed the singer's latest apparent victory: stimulating demand and potentially aiding in revitalizing the U.S. economy.
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.