In a country as diverse as India, where classical ragas and Bollywood tunes once monopolized the soundscape, one genre has cut through linguistic and regional barriers to become a national obsession—Punjabi pop. With its infectious beats, high-octane energy, and irresistible swagger, Punjabi pop has evolved from the heartlands of Punjab to become a global phenomenon. What began as local Bhangra party hits in village weddings is now echoing through international arenas, YouTube charts, and even Hollywood sets.
The Rise of Desi Beats
The origins of Punjabi pop can be traced back to the 1980s and 90s, when artists like Malkit Singh and Daler Mehndi introduced a hybrid sound blending traditional Punjabi folk with modern pop sensibilities. Daler Mehndi’s Tunak Tunak Tun (1998) became an unexpected global hit, especially among internet communities, earning him the nickname “The King of Bhangra Pop.” According to a Times of India feature from 2002, Mehndi’s albums sold over 20 million copies—a feat that cemented his legacy.
The 2000s witnessed the rise of indie Punjabi singers like Gurdas Maan, who kept the lyrical depth of Punjabi culture alive, while performers like Honey Singh and Badshah revolutionized the soundscape with their genre-bending compositions.
Breaking Language Barriers
Unlike Bollywood songs that mostly cater to Hindi-speaking audiences, Punjabi pop enjoys a unique linguistic universality. “You don’t need to understand Punjabi to feel the vibe,” says Navneet Khaira, a DJ and radio host based in Toronto, in an interview with The Tribune. “The rhythm and attitude do all the talking.”
Tracks like “Lamberghini” by The Doorbeen or AP Dhillon’s “Brown Munde” broke language barriers by integrating global sounds—hip-hop, reggaeton, and trap—into the Punjabi idiom. Many of these songs garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. As of 2025, AP Dhillon’s “Brown Munde” has crossed 500 million views on YouTube and features international collaborations with artists like Nav and Steel Banglez.
AP Dhillon: The Global Star with Desi Roots
One of the most prominent success stories is that of AP Dhillon, a British-Indian singer and producer who was raised in Punjab and later moved to Canada. What makes Dhillon’s journey inspiring is his transition from a regular student in Amritsar to an international music icon. According to a Hindustan Times profile published in 2023, Dhillon started producing music independently during his university days and rose to fame through streaming platforms rather than traditional record labels.
In 2022, Dhillon became the first Punjabi artist to perform a sold-out show at Wembley Arena in London. He was also featured in Rolling Stone India’s cover story in 2023, highlighting his role in taking Punjabi pop global. Although he has yet to win a Grammy, Dhillon was nominated for the Juno Awards in Canada—an acknowledgment of his global appeal.
Bollywood’s Punjabi Fixation
Punjabi pop’s growing dominance is also evident in Bollywood’s increasing reliance on Punjabi music. From “Kala Chashma” to “London Thumakda,” it’s hard to find a Bollywood dance playlist that doesn’t have at least three Punjabi tracks.
Music directors and film producers, recognizing the genre’s mass appeal, often commission Punjabi artists to create original soundtracks or remix older hits. “It’s become a formula,” says music critic Anirban Dasgupta. “If you want a chartbuster, throw in a Punjabi beat, a dhol, and a catchy hookline.”
Desi Beats in Global Arenas
Punjabi pop is no longer just a regional or even national genre—it’s a cultural export. Indian weddings in New York and London often echo with beats by Diljit Dosanjh, whose concerts in the US attract thousands of fans from both South Asian and non-South Asian communities.
In 2023, Diljit Dosanjh made history as the first Indian artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. His set included songs in Punjabi, English, and even a bit of Spanish—reflecting the global evolution of Punjabi pop. The Los Angeles Times called his performance “one of the most electric moments of the festival.”
Awards and Recognitions
Punjabi pop artists have not only topped charts but also received critical acclaim. Gurdas Maan, often called the “poet of Punjab,” received the Padma Shri in 2019 for his contribution to music and culture.
Daler Mehndi was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Award for Excellence in Music in 1995. Diljit Dosanjh has multiple Filmfare Awards to his name, not only for music but also for acting, proving the genre’s crossover potential.
Even Badshah, who often receives criticism for his lyrical simplicity, was included in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list multiple times, with his income crossing ₹30 crore in 2021.
The Road Ahead
With Spotify playlists dedicated to “Punjabi Hits” and Apple Music promoting AP Dhillon’s albums, the industry is poised for further global expansion. Moreover, collaborations with artists like Jason Derulo, DJ Snake, and Major Lazer are bridging the gap between East and West.
Indian-American TikTok influencers and dancers on Instagram Reels are pushing Punjabi pop into Gen Z’s cultural DNA. The genre is no longer niche—it’s the new normal.
As music producer and entrepreneur Aman Hayer puts it, “Punjabi pop is not just a sound anymore—it’s a statement.”
From dusty village gatherings to global arenas, Punjabi pop has redefined India’s musical identity on the world stage. Its journey has been shaped by ambition, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to Punjabi culture. Whether it’s the heartfelt poetry of Gurdas Maan, the hip-hop flair of AP Dhillon, or the foot-tapping anthems of Diljit Dosanjh, Punjabi pop continues to dominate airwaves, set trends, and win hearts across continents.
And this, it seems, is just the beginning.
