Season 4 - Episode 2 is out now!

In Episode 2, follow 29-year-old beach bum/pharmacist Rohan as he goes on five blind dates with a fashion designer, an engineer, a credit analyst, a comedian, and a model. He’s all about bringing the adventure to life… will one of them match his vibe?

Need more drama? Rewatch or catch up on previous seasons on our POPSHIFT YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

P.S. We're casting for upcoming seasons in the U.S., Toronto, and London! Find more details and casting links here.

[Upcoming Events] LA & DALLAS: PopShift Holi

• SUN, MARCH 16 — Los Angeles [1720 Warehouse]

• SAT, MARCH 22 — DALLAS [Club Dada]

Do you think you can act? We are on a talent search for PopShift Originals.

As we expand our content on YouTube, we’re looking for fresh talent to act in short films, skits, and episodic web series. If you're passionate about storytelling and performance, we want to see what you’ve got!

Submission Process:

• Step 1: Submit your headshot and a brief note about your interest.

• Step 2: Self-tape audition for a specific scene or short film.

• Step 3: Call-back / Zoom audition.

• Step 4: Final selection.

We operate on a rolling submissions basis, with productions kicking off in mid-March.

Important: Selection depends on effort, submission quality, and project alignment. If you're not picked this time, don't worry—you may still be considered for future productions!

Get Tickets

We’re coming to LA + DALLAS for HOLI ⭐

This year, we’re bringing the ultimate Holi celebration to TWO cities! For the third year in a row, we’re returning to Downtown Los Angeles, and for the first time, we’re heading to Dallas, Texas!

Expect a high-energy day party packed with vibrant colors, incredible music, and local vendors bringing all the festive vibes—DJ performances by VANI, CLUB KIKO, KRU.TIK, MC KOKO + Special Guests TBA.

SUN, MARCH 16 — LA [1720 Warehouse] — TICKETS FOR LA.

SAT, MARCH 22 — DALLAS [Club Dada] — TICKETS FOR DALLAS.

Data Engineer blind dates 4 guys!

New season. New episode formats. And, of course, new contestants. 

Desi Me Dating is back for its fourth season; this time, it has a whole new twist!

In Episode 1, we meet Zara, a 26-year-old Data Engineer from New York City, as she embarks on a blind date with four completely different guys. She must eliminate one contestant at a time until only one remains. The final pick scores a one-on-one date with her! Who will win Zara’s heart?

Can’t believe we have already released 22 episodes of this show, which is free to watch on YouTube! Rewatch or catch up on previous seasons on our POPSHIFT YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

💖 Follow @DesiMeDating for exclusive content on this upcoming season! 

What do your friends say about your exes?

@popshift

Meet Zara from Season 4 Of Desi Me Dating #southasian #blinddate #mytypeofguy

Here’s what PopShift Holi looked like the first year we did it!

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⚡ SUN, MARCH 16 — LA [1720 Warehouse] — TICKETS FOR LA.

⚡ SAT, MARCH 22 — DALLAS [Club Dada] — TICKETS FOR DALLAS.

CASTING CALL: Want to go on a blind date? With cameras? Apply!

Calling all singles! 📢 We're casting for new episodes of Desi Me Dating! If you're single and ready to mingle, fill out the screening questionnaire below for consideration.

Apply using the appropriate link below.

• Casting Call for United States

• Casting Call for Toronto

• Casting Call for London

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This interview with Badshah was recorded exactly a year ago, in December 2023. While we shared clips on social media, the full conversation has never been released—until now. In this candid discussion, Badshah opens up about his musical journey, the challenges he faced with his label, and his feelings about the iconic J Balvin collaboration, which didn’t fully align with his vision. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s creative goals, highlighting how even with a big team, an artist’s direction can sometimes get lost.

I first discovered Rashmeet Kaur exactly a year ago through her song Ishq Nachaave from the Netflix film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. It stayed on repeat for months, inspiring me to explore more of her work and discover the iconic tracks she’s been involved in. From her playback singing on Nadiyon Paar to her collaborations with Nucleya and Major Lazer on Jadi Buti, and her unforgettable rendition of the Punjabi folk classic Bajre Da Sitta, Rashmeet’s distinct style and voice truly stand out. Her incredible journey so far and her innovative approach to music are bound to take her far.

RMS is one of my favorite emerging artists from the New York-New Jersey area. He seems to be just one hit away from getting the recognition he truly deserves. In this interview, we explore his journey, the inspirations behind his songwriting, the challenges of convincing his parents this was the right path, and the financial realities of building a music career.

Also here are some songs to check out by RMS: Brand New Vibe, Saturday Slide, Supervillian

Did you know Prateek Kuhad is the only Indian artist to make Obama’s top songs of 2019 with his track Cold/Mess? Since then, Prateek has been unstoppable. He keeps a low profile, stays focused on his craft, and somehow pulls off insanely successful tours around the world—including North America, which is no small feat.

In this interview, we chat about his upbringing in Jaipur, the unwavering support from his parents, writing music in English and Hindi, and what it was like opening for Ed Sheeran in Mumbai.

Listen to this interview first, then head over to any music streaming platform, hit shuffle on Prateek Kuhad’s discography, and trust me—you’ll thank me later.

September 26 in New York City | Tickets

I am super excited to announce that we are bringing back an event series that is so near and dear to my heart. Allow me to reintroduce PopShift Sessions, a live music experience carefully curated to showcase artists who are proving time and time again that music deserves to be heard by the entire world.

Backstory

PopShift Sessions was first introduced in 2019 as a South Asian music pop-up. The first event saw 150 attendees, and that number quickly doubled and tripled with each new event throughout the year. The momentum was so strong that I took a huge risk and booked Terminal 5 on September 21, 2019, for our finale in New York City. I was extremely nervous, but with the help of a fantastic team and brand partners like Toyota, Sling, and Dil Mil, we pulled off something incredible. A lineup of 20 artists took the stage, and over 1,500 people were in attendance. (Check out the recap here.)

I was riding high for months to come. I had a full event plan drawn up for 2020, quit my full-time job, and was ready for what was next. Then, just a few short months later, everything came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic ended all live events.

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” – Mike Tyson.

This sudden end left such a scar on my mind that I completely avoided doing events until 2023 (last year). I’ll share the full story another time!

Why bring it back now?

Over the last couple of years, there has been incredible growth in world music worldwide. At the forefront of this movement have been South Asian artists who are steadily honing their crafts and building audiences song by song. When I reflect on why I started PopShift in the first place, PopShift Sessions is one of those reasons. It’s to provide these artists with a stage where they can fully express themselves, while attendees have the chance to discover their next favorite artist.

PopShift Sessions in New York City on September 26 will feature live performances by Shreea Kaul and Kayam, along with DJ sets by Enchantika and Just Raj. A few more artists will be announced in the coming week, including some special guest performances. Get your tickets here.

Listen to the PopShift Sessions Playlist.

This is Shreea Kaul. Shreea will perform her songs: Tere Bina, Ladke, Burn It To The Ground, and the unreleased banger tagged in the video below. Check out more of Shreea’s music here.

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This is Kayam. He will perform songs like Ride For Me, Your Soniya, Senorita, and his latest release, Dangerous Girl. You can check out his music here!

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This 25-year-old Indian American is running for the Georgia State Senate.

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New Music Discovery

• Dhee - I Wear My Roots Like A Medal

• Hasan Raheem Releases a 5-track EP titled 1 2 3 4 5. 

• Killa K x Yung Raja released a Tamil banger called Podu Mike.

• Punjabi artist Harnoor is back with a single called Luv Drug.

• AP Dhillon dropped a much-awaited The Brownprint album in late August. Bora Bora is my personal favorite from the album.

• Indian Rapper Prabh Deep just released a brand new project titled DSP.

Sommaiya - Sabr - bless the YouTube algorithm for this recent discovery. He is an independent artist who has released some low-key hits on YouTube. One of these releases is bound to catch fire very soon!

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If you’re into the current DJ Culture and the Mix Masters of the world, you must see what the DJ collective CHOR BAZAAR is doing from Australia. The group recently released a 7 track mix tape on SoundCloud called 365, celebrating 1 one-year anniversary.

Upcoming Events

• Sep 21 - PopShift Summer - Atlanta | Tickets

• Sep 26 - PopShift Sessions - New York City | Tickets

Written by Raghu Alla

Can you believe there are only 144 days left in 2024? That is less than 3,456 hours left by the time you receive this email. Crazy!

Now, let’s get onto today’s topics.

AP Dhillon “Old Money” Featuring Salman Khan & Sanjay Dutt

“Don’t Call It A Come Back,” says AP Dhillon before dropping a brand new music video with Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt for his single Old Money.

The song is part of AP’s upcoming album, The Brownprint – a wordplay on Jay-Z’s classic 2001 album The Blueprint. This will be AP Dhillion’s first album release with Republic Records. 

Thoughts — No one creates hype like AP Dhillon in the independent desi music scene. But now, as an established superstar with big budgets and even bigger collaborations, expectations will be high for the music to also be good.

The Old Money music video is fantastic to watch, but it completely distracted me from the song itself.

Arshad Nadeem Wins First-Ever Olympic Gold For Pakistan

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem made history, winning the first-ever Olympic gold for his country in athletics with an Olympic record of 92.97 meters in the javelin throw. The defending gold medalist from India, Neeraj Chopra, secured second place with a throw of 89.45 meters. (Watch)

New Music Discovery

If you didn’t already know, there’s a wave of Arab-American artists that are making incredible music right now. Here are two artists that I’ve recently discovered that are worth checking out.

1. Elyanna - Her song Callin' U (Tamally Maak) is one of the most iconic covers ever. It’s a remake of the original Tamally Maak sung by Amr Diab. Elyanna is a superstar in the making. She has the look and the swag, not to mention an incredible catalog of work. Check out her most recent album, WOLEDTO.

   • Even Bollywood made a remake of this song in 2004.

2. Saint Levant - DIERA by Saint Levant is an absolute banger. He is the Arab world’s AP Dhillon.

Random but unique find of the week - This song is called casino143 by an artist named IVOXYGEN. I like everything from the lyrics to the annoyingly head-thumping beat and the high-pitched, raspy voice. (thank you, youtube algorithm)

Under Radar South Asian Banger — Today’s song is AAJA, by The SwetShop Boys (Riz Ahmed + Heems), featuring Ali Sethi. It was released in 2017, five years before Ali Sethi’s mega-popular Pasoori. 

New Music Releases

• Rahul - Twitter

• Ego N Friends – Are You Alone?

• Anuv Jain - Jo Tum Mere Ho

• AR Paisley x Chani Nathan x Inderpal Moga released a brand new Punjabi album titled East to West.

• Upsidedown is back after a long time with a new single, Hoor.

Other News

• Hanumankind’s ‘Big Dawgs’ Surpasses Kendrick’s ‘Not Like Us’ on Spotify Global Chart. (read)

• Bangladesh’s PM, Sheikh Hasina, resigned after 15 years and fled the country. (read)

• Three notable moments from the 2024 Summer Olympics

  • Quincy Hall’s last-minute comeback in Men’s 400M.

  • Mondo Duplantis breaks his record at the Pole Vault finals.

  • Team USA defeats Serbia with an epic 4th-quarter comeback in the Semi-Finals.

What the f*** moment of the week – A “Jai Ho” trend is taking over TikTok. 

Upcoming Events

Get Tickets

• Aug 11 - PopShift Summer New York Sunset is this Sunday at Somewhere NoWhere from 4:00 - 9:00 PM EST. Featuring DJ performances from Yash, Anupya, Tribahl, SE3K. ( Get Tickets )

• Aug 13 / Aug 14 - Loca Loka Tequila x PopShift Mixer - Los Angeles / New York City.

  • With Special Guests, Anirudh Ravichander and Rana Daggubati

  • Please fill out this form to join the waitlist if you are interested in attending.

Written by Raghu Alla

Upcoming Events

August 11 - PopShift Summer - New York Sunset Vol. 2

GET TICKETS

Indian Rapper who is Blowing Up Right Now 🚀🚀🚀.

Indian rapper Hanumankind released one of the most insane music videos of the year for his latest single, Big Dawgs.

In the video, Hanumankind is seen rapping from the center of the “Well of Death” as stuntmen fly around him on motorcycles and cars. At times, he is even seen performing the song while leaning out a Maruthi 800 car as it speeds across the wooden cylinder.

The song and video went viral almost overnight, gaining praise from popular musicians and social media personalities worldwide.

New Music 🔥🔥🔥

• Punjabi-Canadian artist Sukha dropped an LP titled 2003, featuring collaborations with Gurlez Akhtar, Chani Nattan, and Jassa G

• Talwiinder releases a brand new single, TU produced by Sanjoy

• Indian Rapper KING drops a brand new album Monopoly Moves

• Tamil-Canadian rapper Shan Vincent DePaul releases a brand new single BLVCK with insane visuals

• Meet Ego N Friends, an Indian American artist who just dropped a 19-track album called Are You Alone

• Raaginder drops a brand new EP titled Voyage

Other News 📰

• Designer Tarun Tahiliani is receiving criticism for his uniforms for India’s Olympic Teams.

• Air pistol shooter Manu Bhaker makes history as the first Indian to win two medals at one Olympic Games

• Seema Pankhania announces an upcoming cookbook called Craveable

• The dance duo BFUNK is coming to San Francisco on Aug 11 to teach two back-to-back BollyFunk and BhangraFunk Classes. Get your tickets here.

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MERCH SHOP

Summer is finally summering. And honestly, I’ve been in a bit of a music rut. It can be hard to get out of the bubble of your own algorithm and discover cool new artists to add to the rotation. So this week, we’re doing something a little different. Today, we’re dropping a list of Desi-Indie artists making music in “English” that we think you should check out. These artists are exactly the fresh sounds that your playlist might be missing, and they all bring something unique to the table. Show them some love, and hope you find something to vibe out to. We’ll occasionally send out watchlists like these, so keep an eye out in your inbox. 

— Jeevan

1. NIMBU

There is something particularly infectious about Indian Disco – especially when it’s thoughfully layered with electronic beats. If you’re into this type of music, then you’ll definitely like NIMBU. New York City based artist NIMBU mixes that infectious energy in her modern, electronic style to create an originally authentic genre meant for the World. In her song “Eleventh Hour,” NIMBU seamlessly blends R&B, electronic dance music, and classic old Bollywood soundtracks. NIMBU’s sound is truly global. Her music has the perfect mix of both worlds to crossover. 

2. RAHUL

Meet Rahul (@rahuled), a R&B, hip-hop artist with a fresh sound and unique visuals that are bound to make waves in the indie landscape. Dropping consistent tracks since 2021, Rahul’s biggest strength are his immersive and magical music videos which build lush worlds around each song. 

Rahul’s versatile too, with a broad range as he jumps from high-pitched vocals to headier, more insistent raps. His biggest song to date, Anecdote, which racked up over a million views on YouTube, showcases his talents on full display. He’s currently signed to D36, a label that has recently entered in a joint venture with Sony Music to platform artists in the South Asian diaspora. Existential, cool, and clever, Rahul is definitely one to watch.

3. ARUSHI JAIN

Brimming with synths and Indian classical melodies, Arushi Jain’s (@modularprincess) 2024 album Delight crescendos listeners into an alternate realm where music knows no bounds. She blends wavy electronic modulation with traditional Desi ragas. To a new listener, the idea of Hindustani-classical informed experimental music is difficult to imagine, but Arushi Jain bridges that gap. Having attended the Ravi Shankar Institute in Delhi as a teenager, Jain is familiar with the intricacies and complexities of the over 6,000-year-old traditions of Indian classical. Can something digitally altered fit into something as natural as classical music? For Jain, the answer is yes.  Breaking the rules, traditional barriers, and the perception people may have of what Desi music is, Arushi Jain is a trailblazer in every way.

4. DHRUVY

Experimental and free-spirited, 19-year-old writer, producer, and singer Dhruvy is making his mark. A music major at Philadelphia’s Drexel College of Media Arts and Design, Dhruvy brings a spontaneous blend of R&B and bedroom pop. His visual style is grounded and fun, exemplified in his latest track right back to myself which sifts through the emotions of early relationships and young adulthood. Brimming with layered melodies and experimental production, Dhruvy’s discography is perfect to check out for a summer day.

5. AARYAN SHAH

If you are looking for an artist emulating the vulnerability of Post Malone and The Weeknd’s melodies and the opaque cinematic universe of movies like Blade Runner, Los Angeles-based artist Aaryan Shah is the one for you. Since he dropped out of school at 15 years old, his only focus has been music. Aaryan’s songs sound expansive with his rich vocals and orchesteralproduction sounding like soundtracks to a futuristic movie.

His fourth album Love Letter to LA, released in 2023, is a reflection of the dusky space of his origins. Aaryan sings about feeling a false sense of reality under the backdrop of repetitive, static guitars. Just like how our most destructive habits tempt addiction, Aaryan’s music pulls listeners into his foreboding soundscape. His most popular track Intoxicated has over 5 million listens on Spotify and embraces the discordant parts found inside us all. Feigning positivity is exhausting and Aaryan’s brutal honesty is a call for more artists willing to embrace all of their emotions, not just the positive ones.

Other News 📰

• Karan Aujla made his Bollywood debut with Tauba Tauba for the film Bad Newz starring Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri and Ammy Virk

• Public figures from around the world attended the Ambani wedding, including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, John Cena, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair

• Sukha is releasing a new album titled 2003 coming soon

• Rapper NseeB dropped a Punjabi freestyle with On the Radar 

• 11-year-old guitarist Maya Neelakantan delivered an electric audition for America’s Got Talent

• Movie review app Letterboxd released a 2024 spotlight on Indian cinema written by Siddharth Adlakha

• Netflix’s new show following the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders features Indian dancer Anisha Kula

MERCH SHOP

Written By Saumya Monga, Jeevan Sangha

Edited By Jeevan Sangha

Now that summer’s finally here, it suddenly feels so much easier to get out and make the most of it. Tomorrow kicks off a long weekend for me, and I’m excited to get a chance to ring it in properly. But before that, this week’s newsletter covers some pretty realistic CGI in music videos, Bollywood’s horror-comedy multiverse of madness (who knew) and the latest in South Asian music and news this week. Let’s get into it. 

— Jeevan 

July 6 - PopShift Summer - Chicago Boat Cruise

Now Trending 🔥🔥🔥

1. Deepika Padukone + Ranveer Notice Koad’s Single Deepika.

Koad, an artist from California, released a song called Deepika, expressing his love for the actress Deepika Padukone. She has finally noticed, and so has Ranveer, who showed love for the song on his Instagram story. I'm not going to lie; it must feel pretty cool.

2. South Asian Designer Creates a Short Film On the Origins of Her Fashion Brand.

Sheel Yerneni and Aman Jaisinghani in the Short Film “Moksha”

Sheel Yerneni, the founder and chief designer of SVARINI, a fashion brand that premiered at the South Asian New York Fashion Week, is making a short film! And based on these screenshots alone, it looks pretty epic.

The film titled Moksha features Sheel (@artzysheel) in the lead role, along with several guests, including popular social media personalities Anjali Chakra (@anjalichakra) and Aman Jaisinghani (@a.magic.man).

If you’re in New York City, go check out the premiere on July 11 In Brooklyn.

Anjali Chakra in the Short Film “Moksha”

3. Karan Aujla Takes Apple Music Around Surrey, Canada.

As part of the rollout for his most recent EP, Four You, Punjabi Singer Karan Aujla takes Apple Music around Surrey, B.C., his home away from home. The four-minute videos show a glimpse of life in Surrey from Karan Aujla’s perspective.

4. Indian Sci-Fi film Kalki A.D. 2898 Releases in Theaters To Good Reviews

India’s biggest Sci-Fi film, Kalki A.D. 2898, was released in theaters last night to positive reviews from critics all over the internet. The film stars Prabhas in the lead role, with Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Hassan all playing prominent roles.

If the box office numbers match the positive reviews, it will be huge for Indian cinema! Catch it in a theater near you!

Stefflon Don Uses CGI to Feature Sidhu Moosewala in New Music Video

Sidhu Moosewala featured in Stefflon Don’s Music Video

The legacy of Sidhu Moosewala, iconic Punjabi singer and rapper, continues to resonate throughout the music world, even after his untimely passing. On Monday, British-Jamaican rapper Stefflon Don released Dilemma, a tribute featuring Steel Banglez, GuiltyBeatz and Sidhu himself. The video, a fusion of Stefflon Don's dynamic style and Moosewala's powerful persona, has created waves in the music industry. Utilizing advanced CGI technology, the production team managed to bring Moosewala's likeness to life, allowing him to appear posthumously alongside Stefflon Don.

Filmed in Moosewala’s village of Moosa in Punjab, the video is rich with local imagery and cultural references, providing a vivid backdrop that underscores the artist's roots. The location is a poignant nod to Moosewala’s origins and the community that shaped his musical journey. 

Fans have praised the video for its respectful and heartfelt portrayal, noting how it captures the essence of Moosewala’s spirit and the vibrant culture of Punjab. 

This touching homage, coupled with an incredible song that is bound to stay on our playlists for years, also comes with a lot of reflection on where Moosewala would have been had he been alive today. With his incredible reach within the music industry, thinking about the possibilities is easy. Maybe he would have performed at Coachella like Diljit Dosanjh, or perhaps even have been one of the early Punjabi artists to win or perform at the Junos like Karan Aujla or AP Dhillon. 

This may not be the last song to come posthumously out of Moosewala’s vault, but it shows us that he still has a lot to give despite not being here. 

Bollywood’s Horror-Comedy Universe is Coming in Hot

Munjya, a Hindi-language horror-comedy starring Sharvari and Abhay Verma, has taken the box office by storm. This sleeper hit has already crossed 100 crores at the box office and is performing quite well compared to the recent Kabir Khan (Bhajrangi Bhaijaan) directed sports film, Chandu Champion.

Mythology and folklore-inspired Bollywood horror-comedies are making waves at the box office and with audiences—and the production house Maddock Films is taking advantage of it. 

Stree was the first movie in this genre which blended folklore with a comedic twist. Its success paved the way for Bhediya, a film that was appreciated by the audiences as well.

After Yash Raj Films' spy universes (War, Pathaan) and Rohit Shetty's cop universes (Singham, Sooryavanshi), Maddock Films has been building out a Bollywood horror universe of their own. Recent hits like Stree and Bhediya with their star-studded casts, have opened doors for more horror-comedy films. 

While classic horror comedies of the 2000s and early 2010s were written off (think, Bhoothnath), Maddock films is proving that this subgenre can thrive in 2024. Riding on the success of Munjya, Maddock Films has already greenlit another exciting project, Vampires of Vijaynagar, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana, set to release next year.

As fans eagerly await the release of Stree 2 and others like it, one thing is clear, the horror comedy universe is here to stay, and it's only getting better.

Upcoming Events

July 6 - PopShift Summer - Chicago Boat Cruise

Get Tickets

New Music

• Heems releases Manto with Vijay Iyer and Sid Vashi.

• Karan Aujla’s new EP, titled Four Me, dropped last night.

• Hasan Raheem + Ritviz Collaborate on Mehrbhaan and it’s 🔥🔥🔥.

• Rhea Raj releases a brand new single titled HUSH.

• PDNY, HYDR, and YDV collaborate on their latest single, Kamli.

Other News 📰

• Texas Democrat Taral Patel was arrested for allegedly faking racism against himself.

• Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha (most recently in Heeramandi) got married to longtime partner Zaheer Iqbal. 

• A long-lost Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan album, Chain of Light, was recently discovered in one of his old storage spaces. It will be released on September 20.

• Never Have I Ever’s Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was cast in Freaky Friday 2

MERCH SHOP

Written By Jeevan Sangha, Upkar Singh, Jessie Brar

Low-key, Thursday has to be my favorite day of the week. It gives me the comfort of Friday without getting too comfortable, and in some cases, I overperform so I can end the week on a high note. This week was nothing short of those high notes. Here’s a recap of what you’ve missed.

- Raghu

Diljit Dosanjh Takes Over The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon

Diljit Dosanjh Performing on Jimmy Fallon

On Tuesday, Diljit Dosanjh made his U.S. television performance debut on The Tonight Show Jimmy Fallon. This show is the latest in a crazy run—Diljit is still on his Dil-Luminati World Tour, with his next stop at L.A.’s Crypto Arena on July 10. 

How Is One Man Doing It All?

Since the pandemic and dropping his 2020 album G.O.A.T, Diljit’s been everywhere. In just four years, he starred in seven Punjabi & Hindi movies and dropped three albums with a total of 50+ songs. He’s also moved way out of his comfort zone, with tens of extended interviews and podcasts, all while creating countless viral social media moments along the way.

From performing at Coachella and putting out consistent bangers to selling out some of the biggest venues in the world. Not only that, Diljit Dosanjh makes sure he’s at the front of as many big cultural moments as possible. Whether it’s his controversial performance at the Ambani pre-wedding or getting Ed Sheeran to sing on stage with him in Punjabi—he’s there. 

Right now, Diljit is fresh off the success of the Netflix movie Crew and recently collaborated with Prabhas for a promo song for the movie  Kalki 2898 AD. He’s also on a press tour for the third installment of the Punjabi movie franchise, Jatt & Juliet. 

Diljit Dosanjh is building such a unique, global career and is hell-bent on bringing Punjabi music to the world. It’s clear that each big win is a step on the way to something even bigger. Who knows where he’ll land next.  

Legendary Playback Singer Alka Yagnik Is Losing Her Hearing

Alka Yagnik, also known as the “Queen of playback singing”, has shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for over four decades. She’s someone we all grew up hearing in the background of our parent’s old cassette tapes, having sung over 20,000 songs in various Indian languages. 

Known for her versatile and emotive voice, Yagnik has delivered unforgettable hits like Ek Do Teen, Choli Ke Peeche, and Taal Se Taal Mila. Her influence extends to many other contemporary artists, including Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan, who cite her as a major inspiration.

This week, the music world was taken aback when Yagnik posted on Instagram about being diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, a condition impacting the inner ear and nerve pathways to the brain. 

This type of hearing loss, which can stem from factors such as aging, noise exposure, and infections, is potentially career-ending for any musician, but Yagnik continues to receive support from many of the major players in the Bollywood music industry. 

According to the Guinness World Records, she remains the most streamed act on YouTube, averaging 42 million views per day. Despite her health issues, Yagnik's legacy as a trailblazer in Bollywood playback singing remains intact, ensuring her influence will be felt for years to come​.

Upcoming Events

July 6 - PopShift Summer - Chicago Boat Cruise

Get Tickets

Albums on repeat…

Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain by Raveena
Known for her dreamy soundscapes, Raveena dropped a euphoric summer soundtrack with her third album, Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain. Her newest single, Junebug, features rapper JPEGMAFIA — a surprise collab that somehow works. Raveena’s music is ethereal, merging South Asian influences with smooth RnB and 70s-inspired sounds. Lush, serene, playful, this album is best enjoyed laying in the grass under the sun.

BRAT by Charli xcx
Messy, subversive, and unbelievably cool — Charli xcx breaks the mold with her critically acclaimed album. In Charli’s own words, it’s a call back to “the Paris Hilton days”, back when pop was raw, chaotic and in your face. 

BRAT is all that and more. Charli is refreshingly honest, confessing to calling paparazzi, listing out her insecurities, and calling out her contemporaries. The album debuted in the top three on the US Billboard and UK album charts, nearly passing Taylor Swift in the process. With BRAT, Charli redefines what it means to be an It Girl. As you make your way through this (frankly, skipless) album, there’s no denying it — Charli is one to watch.

New Music Discovery

• Rising hip-hop artist Sumit collaborates with rapper Abhi the Nomad on this fresh track, Like Me.

• Harkirat Sangha dropped a new single and video for Chorni featuring Gurlez Akhtar

• Naughty Boy and Kah Lo team up for a new house song called Friends

• New video for the Ikka x Guru Randhawa song, Who’s That Girl

MERCH SHOP

Written By Jeevan Sangha, Anuja Bhatt, Jessie Brar

DJ’s Are The New Culture Curators

No Nazar, ZeeMuffin, Indo Warehouse

If you’re tapped into the music scene, it’s likely that at some point, a dope DJ mix has put you on to a song or genre that you’ve never been exposed to before. With the hit that the live music business took after COVID, DJs are pulling people back out to the club and getting more people to listen to extended DJ sets on YouTube. For what seems like more than ever before, the definition of a good night out for a lot of people is catching one of your favorite DJs spinning at a local venue—which is precisely what the music industry needs to profile newer and out-of-the-box artists and create genre blends outside of the norm.

We’re seeing it, especially from South Asian artists around the globe with the Indo Warehouse events by Kahani, Yung Singh performing at Coachella, and Jyoty touring internationally. Not only that, many DJs are building bridges between genres in real life, but also on social media. Think, LA-based music collective No Nazar’s blending of Amapiano and Bollywood, or Toronto’s Sikh Knowledge who melds Punjabi folk with 90s and 2000s reggae and R&B. While Indo-Western fusion music has been around since the early colonial era, the recent global success of Tesher’s Young Shahrukh, which was picked up by Sony Music India and Jalebi Baby which scored a collab with Jason Derulo have completed shifted what we thought was possible for fusion mixes. 

TikTok has proven to be a fertile ground for these mixes. AJ Wavy’s Hotline Bling x Lal Ghagra and Farooq Got Audio’s drill mix of Ramta Jogi have cumulatively racked up over 25 million views on YouTube alone. Our tastes are reflective of who we are, and DJs are helping people find belonging in the multitude of music genres that so many of us grew up on. For me, listening to hip-hop and R&B is just as much a part of my identity as the UK Punjabi music of the early aughts that I listened to with my family. 

@zeemuffin_

In Novemeber 2023 I opened for Raf Saperra and closed out my set with the only song every DJ should be playing in every set until Palestin... See more

It’s not just about the music, either. This newer wave of DJs is also creating space to advocate for the cultural and political issues that matter most to them—like Black Lives Matter and the Farmer’s Protests. Most recently, DJs around the world have used their sets to advocate for Palestine, using the song “Dami Falasteeni,” which has become synonymous with Palestinian liberation.  

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Kalki 2829 AD - Trailer for India’s Most Expensive Film Just Released.

Brace yourself because the anticipated trailer for Kalki 2898 AD is here! Starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, this sci-fi pan-Indian project is set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world. The last remaining city of Kasi is ruled by a totalitarian regime and revolves around the tenth and final avatar of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, named Kalki.

Based on the trailer, it seems like Kalki has a visual style similar to the Dune and Mad Max franchises, but this time grounded in Hindu mythology, promising a cool blend of mythological and dystopian elements.

Can India Get Sci-Fi Right?

Hindu mythology in Indian cinema has huge potential yet remains largely unexplored. In the last few years, attempts at high-budget mythology-based Bollywood movies have failed to impress audiences and at the box office. 

Brahmastra and Adipurush are prime examples of extravagant mythological movies that audiences rejected in the past couple of years due to bland screenplays and directorial choices. Even a movie with great VFX and a great concept can be rejected by the audiences if the story is not well-executed.

Kalki’s potential success could signal a new era for Indian cinema, proving that high-budget, mythologically themed films can captivate modern audiences. The filmmakers have a huge responsibility, as the success or failure of this film could impact the future of mythology-based pan-Indian movies. If successful, it will pave the way for more ambitious sci-fi projects. 

New Music Discovery

• Arooj Aftab released a new album called Night Reign

• Talwinder drops a New Single AJA

• Jay Sean & Jai Dhir collaborate on Piche Piche

• Ikka collaborates with Karan Aujla on House Of Lies and Guru Randhawa on Who’s That Girl, both songs from his new album Only Love Gets Reply.

• PDNY's new song 3:45 

• New Indian-Moroccan collab song, Zaalima dropped by Belgian singer Dystinct x Shreya Ghoshal

• Rahul releases a trippy video for his track “Widdit”

• REHMA drops “Diva” with a side of some incredibly crafted short films.

Other News

• The Ambani family is having another pre-wedding celebration, this time on a 4-day cruise from Italy to France.

• M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana Shyamalan, makes her directorial debut with the horror movie Watchers

• Karan Aujla appeared on the BeerBiceps podcast to talk about his upbringing, artistry and married life.

• Payal Kapadia wins the prestigious Grand Prix Award at Cannes.

• This week marked the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Bollywood movie Hum Tum

• Anasuya Sengupta creates history and becomes the first Indian to win Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival.

MERCH SHOP

Written By Jeevan Sangha & Upkar Singh

This week on the newsletter, we’re rounding up all the news in South Asian culture you might’ve missed this week. From the underground Indian hip-hop ciphers to a familiar face in the new season of Bridgerton, all the new music coming from our favorite artists. 

— Jeevan

Can Indian Cypher Culture Give Us Our Next Global Superstar? 

via Lehar Movement Facebook page

With Indian hip-hop making waves internationally, a new community has been gaining increasing attention by gathering together to freestyle rap.

What is ‘Lehar The Movement?’

It’s a community of Indian hip-hop rappers who meet periodically in a central location and freestyle their latest work, snippets of which are filmed and shared on social media. The movement started in Punjab, India, and since then has grown globally, encouraging meet-ups in Canada and the UK.

Instagram post

And it’s working. Most recently Punjabi rapper The Ranjha’s original freestyle Muqabla at a Chandigarh cypher did numbers on social media (especially on tik tok), leading to him releasing an official version in collab with Mass Appeal India. 

Why this matters: 

• Mass Appeal India has recently marketed and distributed big Indian hip-hop projects, including True Stories by AP Dhillon and Shinda Kahlon and STREET DREAMS by Karan Aujla and DIVINE.

• It provides an alternate way for artist discovery. — Underground freestyle culture taps into hip-hop roots and is an accessible way for artists to build their skills and experiment with their sound over time.

• With the attention he’s getting from a one-off cypher, The Ranjha could be our next artist to watch 👀

NEWS: First Indian Track Athlete to compete in NCAA final race

Instagram post

19-year-old Parvej Khan, a runner from Haryana, secured a spot in two NCAA final races, making him the first Indian track athlete to do so.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Banita Sandhu in Season 3 of Bridgerton

via usermina on tumblr

The third season of Bridgerton just dropped its first four episodes on Netflix and features a surprisingly familiar face. Joining the cast as Miss Malhotra is Banita Sandhu, the Welsh actress best known for her Bollywood roles in October and Udham Singh. You might also recognize her from AP Dhillon’s With You music video, where the two traveled around Europe, sparking dating rumors. The rest of the season releases on June 19th.

King debuts on the Cannes Red Carpet

Indian Rapper King

This year marks the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival, with more Indian celebrities walking the carpet than ever. Singer-songwriter King, who’s behind hits like Maan Meri Jaan, became the first ever Indian pop artist to walk the red carpet. King wore a black and pink silk blazer by Indian designer Anamika Khanna.

🔥 New Music Discovery

• Karan Aujla released a new hip-hop track that’s heavy in our rotation called ‘Winning Speech’. He’s got his signature lyrical style and talks about how the increase in fame and attention isn’t changing his loyalty to his wife. A win for the girls.

• Vidya Vox released a new EP titled ‘Sundari’

• Boy band Weston Estate dropped a new video for ‘Ride’

• Farooq Got Audio and Sliime teamed up with Def Jam India on Welcome to the Party (Dola Re). A cool collab that falls into the wave of popular international Bollywood mashups.

• After a bit of a hiatus, ZAYN’s new album ‘Room Under the Stairs’ is out now. He’s also been on a pretty active press tour to promote it and has been reflecting on his One Direction days more openly than we’ve heard him be before.

• Paravi released a cover of Ariana Grande’s ‘we can’t be friends (wait for your love)’ on Spotify.

• Rhea Raj’s new single ‘Digital Babe’ is out today. It’s part of her debut album ‘Hunter’ out on May 24th.

📰 Other News

WATCH - Bohemia: The Forgotten Pioneer — a little tough to get past the sound effects, but this doc is an interesting look at Bohemia’s career—who is known as one of the early pioneers of Punjabi rap.

• Mean Girls star Avantika Vandanapu covers Galore Magazine’s Film Issue

• Singer, actor, and composer Arjun Kanungo’s feature in Rolling Stone India  

• Actress Sobhita Dhulipala talks Monkey Man with Anupama Chopra for Film Companion

Written By Jeevan Sangha

“Dune: Prophecy” Casts Indian Actress Tabu

Renowned Indian actress Tabu joins the star-studded cast of "Dune: Prophecy," the highly anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic. Tabu, celebrated for her versatile performances, is set to portray Sister Francesca, adding her remarkable talent and depth to the ensemble.

[Updated ] Dune: Prophecy is an upcoming American science fiction television series set in the Dune universe. It was created by Frank Herbert for the streaming service Max.

it’s a big deal because;

• Dune ranks among the largest Hollywood movie franchises, with ‘Dune: Part One’ earning $402 million and ‘Dune: Part Two’ earning $407.5 million, exceeding $800 million at the Box Office.

• ‘Dune: Part One’ stole the show at the 2022 Oscars, nabbing 10 nominations and bagging 6 Academy Awards.

Cricket World Cup In New York City This June.

In case you missed it, mark your calendars for the T20 Cricket World Cup, which will hit New York City this June. This is the first time a major cricketing event that matters is taking place in the United States. The International Cricket Board has constructed a temporary stadium in Long Island specifically for this grand event. The venue will host eight matches, including the highly anticipated "India vs. Pakistan" showdown on June 9th.

What does T20 stand for? — T20 is the shortest format of international cricket. Teams are limited to 20 overs, and games typically last only about 4 hours.

• The United States and the West Indies will jointly host this edition of the World Cup. Matches will occur in Long Island - New York, Dallas -Texas, and Lauderhill - Florida. (Full Schedule & Tickets Here)

• This is the first time Canada & United States are competing in the T20 World Cup. Yes, the U.S. has a cricket team.

• If you are a fan of the Indian Cricket Team. This might be the last World Cup appearance for cricket legends Virat Kohli (35) and Rohit Sharma (37), both iconic figures in Indian cricket.

[WATCH] - Jay Sean Reflects On His Career In Our Latest Interview

PopShift sits down with Jay Sean, the trailblazing artist known for blending R&B, pop, and South Asian influences. With hits like "Down" and "Do You Remember," Jay Sean's music has resonated globally. As one of the first British-Asian artists to break into the mainstream, he's not only achieved chart-topping success but also laid a foundation for future artists to push boundaries in music.

What we discuss in the interview?

• Growing up in London, Leaving medicine for music

• Meeting Rishi Rich + Making his first album, “Me Against Myself.”

• Going independent and self-financing his second album, “My Own Way,” which featured songs like “Ride it” and “Stay.”

• Getting discovered by Birdman and Cash Money Records + working with Lil Wayne on “Down.”

Watch The Interview

New Music Discovery

• Punjabi-Canadian Artist Simar released her debut EP, “Sweet Pain,” earlier this year. 

• Karan Aujla - Goin Off

• From Pakistan — “Sadqay” by Aashir Wajahat, Nayel, Nehaal Naseem

• From India — Jai Dhir just dropped his debut album, “Lover Album.” 

• Kaly and Utkarsh Ambudkar released their collaboration album “Two Grown Men” earlier last month.

• Supreme Sidhu “Jaan’ featuring Raaginder

• Avish Jain “Gunaahon Mein”

Other News

• Portola, the San Francisco music festival, has just unveiled its lineup, which will showcase the talents of M.I.A., Raf Saperra, Ahadadream, and Punjabi Hit Squad.

• Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of Director M. Night Shyamalan, is stepping into the director's chair for the first time with the horror flick "The Watchers," slated to hit theaters on June 14.

Wow, it's been ages since we last sent out a proper newsletter, and trust me, that wasn't intentional. Ever since we stopped, we've been flooded with requests asking when the next one’s coming. So, I'm here to tell you that we'll be back in your inbox every Tuesday with the latest in music, film, and South Asian pop culture.

If you enjoy reading these little tidbits of news, please share this with your friends.

— Raghu

iPhone Face in Heeramandi ?

Heeramandi is now streaming on Netflix

First of all, I didn’t even know what an “iPhone Face” was till this show came out. Thank you, internet.

What is this about?

This weekend, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the man behind Bollywood classics like Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, released his first Netflix show, Heeramandi. Set during the Indian independence movement against the British Raj, the show follows the lives of a group of courtesans in the red-light district of Lahore. 

On brand, the show has lavish-looking sets and extra melodrama for good measure but has gotten criticism for shaky writing, historical inconsistencies, murky politics, and a select few casting choices. Fans especially called out Bhansali’s casting of his niece, Sharmin Segal, saying that she’s the wrong fit for the show because of her ‘iPhone face.’ 

Twitter tweet

What is an iPhone face?

‘iPhone face’ is internet slang for actors who don’t seem to belong in period pieces because, well, they look like someone who knows what an iPhone is. To be clear, the iPhone face is more than just a vibe—it also has to do with a character’s makeup, styling, and the fact that their face seems to fit modern beauty standards rather than those of the time period the show or film are set in. If an actor has visible plastic surgery, botox face, and fillers, there’s a good chance they won’t look straight out of the early 1900s.

Should we care about iPhone faces in period pieces at all? Or is this just a part of making shows like Heeramandi relevant to modern-day audiences? 

For all its missteps, there’s still a lot to love about Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. At the very least, it’s an opportunity to dive into an overlooked aspect of Indian history.

Upcoming Events: PopShift Summer Sessions

June 9 - New York City - Sunset Party

July 6 - Chicago - Sunset Boat Party

Tickets go on sale later this week.

4 Million Followers & I’m Broke

Sooraj Saxena

Sooraj Saxena, a filmmaker and content creator with over 4 million followers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, just dropped a short film called “4 Million Followers & I’m Broke.”

In the film, Sooraj talks about his journey to building a massive following over the last few years by handling every aspect of his content creation—developing, scripting, producing, editing, and coloring—all while building his brand, SHVKTI.

But now he’s facing a common issue that all creators deal with: money. The film is beautifully made and offers a glimpse into his journey. A creator's path can be unpredictable and, though fulfilling, can also get pretty lonely. But one thing’s clear: Sooraj isn’t giving up anytime soon.

Watch the film here

Wildest Trend Of Them All: ASOKA

If you’ve spent any time on tik tok in the last few weeks, you’ve likely seen videos of creators syncing complicated transitions and choreography from bare-faced to full bridal glam to San Sanana from the 2001 Bollywood movie Asoka.  

@dhivya.srii

asoka makeup trend✨ what do you guys think? happy that i got to wear my wedding lehenga & jewelry for this💕 special thanks to my hisband, ... See more

While it started as an Indian bridal makeup trend, the girls have gotten creative and used it to showcase bridal looks from all over the world. Many creators have also peeled back the curtain on how much work it takes to pull off, needing hours to shoot and up to 8 hours to edit their final videos. It’s a fun trend and mad respect to creators that are committing to having it turn out as seamless as possible. 

Others have decided to sit this one out, turning to lazy girl adaptations, because the task feels too daunting without content studios and professional editors. As the world of content creation gets bigger, the trends get wilder and wilder. The next trend to take desi TikTok by storm might be even more work than this one, and the creators will ultimately decide how many views are worth the effort.

In Case You Missed It

• One On One Series by Popshift - In the latest episode, Singer-songwriters REHMA and Shreea Kaul sat down to discuss the creative process, community, and advice for up-and-coming artists. 

• PopShift Interviews Jazzy B  - Legendary Punjabi singer Jazzy B, the Crown Prince of Bhangra, shares his story of coming to Canada, collaborating with Sukhshinder Shinda, and the inspiration behind his most recent album. 

New Music Releases

• Asad Khan & Raaginder dropped The Awakening EP ahead of their London show

• Music video for Addicted by Tegi Pannu and Navaan Sandhu

• Alternative hip-hop producer Umair released his debut album Rockstar Without A Guitar 

• A new single from Sukha and Manni Sandhu called Sangdi

• Harkalay, a new Pashto-English song for Coke Studios Pakistan by REHMA and Zahoor, is out now

Written By Jeevan Sangha & Raghu Alla

August 15 marked India’s Independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, and while many mark the occasion as a day of celebration, others in and outside of India have raised the question of whether or not there is something to celebrate. The hashtag #UnHappyIndependenceDay has been seen on Twitter, and the day often brings big conversations about the country’s past, present and future—including about the Partition.

In today’s newsletter we talk about what the heck Diljit is up to, the latest season of a hit Prime Video show, highlight a rising Tamil musician, & more.

— Rumneek

Diljit’s Album Is Going To Be Fire

Diljit Dosanjh has been seen in the studio with some high-profile artists and rappers recently—and we for one, are pumped.

After absolutely crushing the stage at Coachella earlier this year, Diljit has shown he is able to hold is own no matter what the audience.

More recently he’s had a series of studio linkups that have fans wondering what he’s cooking up.

Yesterday, Diljit’s manager Sonali Singh shared an image of him in the studio with NLE Choppa.

Instagram post

Before this, Diljit was seen recording with Diplo, Saweetie, ABoogieWithAHoodie, and SIA.

It begs the question of whether or not Diljit will be able to bring Punjabi music to the mainstream in a major way, and if he can be to Punjabi music what Bad Bunny has quickly become for Latin music.

Either way, we absolutely love to see it.

We Can’t Get Enough Of Big Fat Indian Weddings

After a four-year hiatus, the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime series, “Made in Heaven” is back with Season 2!

"Made in Heaven" is more than just a show; it's a mirror reflecting the intricate layers of contemporary Indian society. Tackling complex issues such as gender, class, and tradition with finesse, the series dives into the lives of two wedding planners navigating the extravagant world of Indian weddings while dealing with their own personal struggles.

The show's creators, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, have masterfully woven a tapestry of emotions and societal dynamics, and viewers are eager to see how the story will evolve. The second season takes place six months after where season one ended and is just as messy.

In this season, the creators dove deeper into the aftermath of season one and the lives of the charismatic protagonists, Tara and Karan, portrayed brilliantly by Sobhita Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur.

The meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the series' signature lens into the ugly reality behind the ‘big fat Indian wedding’, has kept audiences hooked from the very first episode. With its intricate storytelling, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes, "Made in Heaven" has definitely set a high bar for Indian content on streaming platforms.

Are you watching Season 2?

Watchlist: Priya Ragu

Meet Priya Ragu – a Swiss-South Asian artist whose music is taking over the UK with over 200K monthly Spotify listeners.

She first gained acclaim through her 2021 single “Good Love 2.0” which holds over 5M Spotify streams today. Her debut album, Damnshestamil, blends Tamil folk music, hip hop, R&B and pop together, pushing normal conventions of Western Pop.

Priya Ragu has gone on to be featured on NME’s list of 100 essential emerging artists, and as one of Vogue’s ‘six musicians about to blow up.’ She has graced stages at events like TEDx Zurich, Montreux Jazz Festival and The Great Escape, where her dynamic performances left audiences spellbound.

With melodic South Asian beats and eye-catching visuals in her music videos, Priya Ragu's passion for honoring her heritage while pushing creative boundaries is palpable.

On Tuesday, Ragu announced that her debut album Santhosam will be dropping on October 20th.

Listen to Priya’s latest single, “Vacation” for a glimpse into her world of music.

📣 Other News:

@popshift

did you know about the #punjabi #mexican connection? #learnontiktok #history #southasian #punjabimexican #animation

• Mindy Kaling and Dev Patel to executive produce ‘To Kill A Tiger’ Documentary From Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja

• “Punjab 95” Biopic starring Diljit Dosanjh mysteriously dropped from Toronto International Film Festival Lineup.

• Everyone is blindsided about the Blindside. Former NFL player from Sandra Bullock film The Blindside alleges he was exploited by his family who never actually adopted him.

• Maui is still reeling from the devastation of the recent wildfires.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• We tried Burger King’s “Butter Chicken Burger”

• The Punjabi-Mexican Connection

Writers: Aneesa Khan, Rumneek Johal & Nirvani Pathak

Edited by: Rumneek Johal

Moving in before marriage? Not if you're brown...This week we unpack what it’s like to tackle the complicated topic of living with your partner before the wedding. Shahrukh Khan is not returning for Don 3, Guess who is replacing him! AP Dhillon’s Amazon Prime documentary vows to tell you more about the man we know little about.

— Rumneek

Moving In, Before Marriage?

I’m months away from my wedding and the conundrum I’ve been dealing with for the last year has been trying to get my parents on board with me living with my fiancé before we get married.

For clarification—I am a 27-year-old woman—but age is never important as brown parents will forever see you as a child until I get married.

In fact, I probably could have gotten married several years ago and my parents would have been more okay with me leaving the family home so long as there was public knowledge of my nuptials.

But doing so even at my big age without the cultural currency of a wedding still feels taboo.

And I know I’m not alone in this.

But for god’s sake—it’s 2023, y’all.

We really can’t continue to let other people’s perceptions police the way we live, especially considering it has led our parent’s generation to live their entire lives in fear of what other people may say.

I’ve tried to reason with my parents, to explain that the only way to truly get to know someone before undertaking the life-changing step of a marriage is to live with them.

To no avail. Their greatest fear is the prospect that other people may find out and get to talking.

I’m sure they have their reasons, including the fact that a rebellious daughter is much more of a hazard to a family’s perception than a rebellious son, or the weird concepts of shame and honor in the South Asian community, or that a wedding is a one-way ticket into adulthood (irrespective of your personal maturity level).

However, I for one, think it’s time to let go of the archaic ideals, and I’ve pushed back every step of the way. My fiance and I got a dog together, I started staying over more often, we began building our life and routines together and basically living together without actually living together.

It feels so bizarre that after your wedding you go from your family home to your partner’s home quite literally overnight and this is what is seen as normal.

Why are we still expected to adhere to cultural norms that aren’t relevant? Why is trying to live with someone before scaling up the commitment considered living in sin?

I mean, we spend tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars on a wedding but it’s wrong to want a trial run on the marriage beforehand?!

A New Era of Don Is Here

The successful Bollywood film franchise of Don is back, but not with the cast that audiences expected.

The "Don" franchise began with the 1978 film of the same name, which starred Amitabh Bachchan in the titular role. The modern-day franchise, rebooted in 2006 by Farhan Akhtar, starred Shah Rukh Khan as the main protagonist, Don, a cunning criminal mastermind.

The franchise's significance lies in its successful blend of classic and contemporary elements, its impact on modernizing Indian cinema, and its role in showcasing the prowess of Shah Rukh Khan as India’s James Bond.

Farhan Akhtar’s recent announcement of Don 3 follows 12 years since the last instalment, “Don 2”.

Rumors suggest that Kiara Advani will be taking on the role of Don’s love interest and enemy, Roma, previously played by Zeenat Aman in 1978, and then Priyanka Chopra in 2006 and 2011.

At first, netizens expressed their dismay at the exclusion of SRK in the sequel, but an official announcement and teaser confirmed that the next instalment will feature today’s Bollywood heartthrob, Ranveer Singh.

Despite all the conjectures, one thing is certain, Ranveer Singh taking on Don’s legacy next destines him to follow the steps of the previous reigning Bollywood Kings who held this role.

Are you happy with this cast change?

📣 Other News:

Instagram post

• Karan Aujla announces Making Memories World Tour starting this fall.

• Sabyasachi has been enlisted by Disney to create a unique piece in honour of Disney’s 100th anniversary.

• Khanvict and Raaginder announce new EP and Tour.

• AP Dhillon releases preview for upcoming Prime Video documentary on his life and career.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• We tried Burger King’s “Butter Chicken Burger”

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Written/Edited by: Rumneek Johal

This weekend’s newsletter truly has it all—and not necessarily in the best way. We tell you the story of an influencer from the UK found guilty of murder, talk about Ikky’s rise alongside Karan Aujla, & our fave brown comedian may be making big moves.

— Rumneek

Pakistani Mother & Daughter Charged With Murder in UK

A popular Pakistani TikToker with nearly 130,000 followers has been charged with murder alongside her mother after the duo went to desperate lengths to hide her mother’s affair.

Mahek Bukhari, also known as @maybvlogs on TikTok and her mother Ansreen were found guilty of murdering two men in Leicester, England last year.

One of the men, Saqib Hussain had allegedly threatened to expose an affair he was having with Mahek’s mother, Ansreen, after which the pair devised a plan to set a “trap,” to target Hussain with the help of a few others.

Hussain and his friend Hashim Ijazuddin were tragically killed when their vehicle was ran off the road by assailants in two cars that were pursuing them. The two 21-year-old males were desperately trying to get away from Mahek and her mother, who they were originally supposed to meet for Hussain to get back $3,000 he felt he was owed by Ansreen for “dates he took her on.”

The mother and daughter pair are set to be sentenced in September.

@haseeblegal

Replying to @mia gabriela #mahekbukhari #ansreenbukhari #law #truecrime #pakistani #influencer #blogger #muslim #desi #brown

Karan Aujla + Ikky have a new album on the way

Karan Aujla is once again teaming up with artist and producer Ikky to produce his new album slated to be released on August 18.

Ikky is a Canadian producer who has slowly catapulted into global recognition, having worked with big names including Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, Gary Sandhu, and even Gurdas Maan.

In 2022, Ikky dropped one of the songs of the Summer, “She’s the One,” a posthumous track with legend Soni Pabla.

Aujla & Ikky recently put out the wildly popular Take it Easy, that eventually popped off on TikTok.

Aujla is fresh off being signed with Warner Music Canada and Warner Music India, and it’s clear that despite his wide reach, he’s just starting to heat up.

Listen to Ikky & Karan Aujla’s latest track, Admirin’ You, here:

Hasan Minhaj Could Be the Next Host of the Daily Show

According to insiders, former Patriot Act host Hasan Minhaj could be the next comedian tapped for the prestigious role of The Daily Show host.

Trevor Noah previously held the role for from 2015-2022, after which a rotating number of comedians have guest hosted.

Minhaj was a regular fixture on the show while Jon Stewart hosted, acting as a “correspondent” from 2014-2018 before going to do Netflix comedy specials and eventually host The Patriot Act

The Patriot Act was popular for tackling big topics with humour and courage, and proved Minhaj won’t back away from difficult territories which is exactly the kind of reinvigoration The Daily Show needs.

While Minhaj has publicly stated that he is open to hosting, The Daily Show has yet to comment.

📣 Other News:

• Lizzo is being sued by former dancers for alleged sexual harrasment.

• Trevor Noah is taking his comedy tour to India this fall.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• Bawaal under fire for making light of the Holocaust

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Written/Edited by: Rumneek Johal

This weekend: conversations about deodorant and body odor have TikTok feeling some way, and an Indian-origin basketball team wins big at The Tournament.

— Rumneek

Team “India Rising” Makes History

A team of all Indian-origin players in The Tournament, a winner-takes-all basketball tournament, are making history.

On Thursday, India Rising, which was ranked as the 8th seed pulled off the biggest upset in The Tournament’s history by beating out the number 1 seed, the Red Scare on their home turf.

One of the players on the team is actually an orthopedic surgery resident, while others are D1 athletes and some have played pro abroad.

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The team’s GM, Gautam Kapur has also helped build a platform, “Brown Ballers,” to cultivate, empower and inspire brown athletes of all ages.

On Friday, India Rising lost to the University of Ohio Alumni and were ultimately eliminated from the tournament, but the story for this team certainly doesn’t end there.

The team has set out on a mission to help bring brown basketball players to the mainstream, and their short but exciting run has only proven that they can do just that.

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Indians Can Solve Their Problems With Deodorant?

A clip from a recent episode of PopShift’s Hot Takes has gone viral, leaving TikTok divided.

In the clip, one of the participants reads an anonymous “hot take,” and then the group mulls over the comment, to determine who wrote the particular hot take.

The hot take in question is: “India Can Solve A Lot Of Problems With Deodorant.”

@popshift

😩🥵🔥 hot take #deodorant #india #hottake #desi

Meanwhile, the comments were in shambles. Non-Indian users were quick to jump to conclusions with some very questionable comments.

Some commenters have agreed, stating that the spices in Indian foods generally are more pungent and can contribute to the strong odor.

While others discussed that if proper hygiene is not taught, some people may not use deodorant, leading to body odor.

Some users took offense to the conversation altogether, stating that the conversation around Indians smelling poorly is racist altogether.

What’s the verdict?

Mughal-E-Azam takes North America

When the film “Mughal E Azam” was released in 1960, it captivated audiences with its starstudded cast featuring the stunning Madhubala and the charming Dilip Kumar. Depicting the tragic love story between Prince Salim and Anarkali, the film was visually mesmerizing with regal sets, extravagant attire and poetic songs.

In 2016, “Mughal E Azam: The Musical” premiered for the very first time at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre in Mumbai. It was a grand production and a daunting undertaking – converting the beloved 1960 film of the same name into a play but Indian theatre director Feroz Abbas Khan was up for the challenge.

The movie cost about $183,000 U.S. dollars which is 150 million Indian rupees. At the time, the film was one of the most expensive to be made and took seven years to complete.

So taking on a rendition of a beloved film of this magnitude required meticulous attention to detail. The result was “Mughal E Azam: The Musical” which is boasted as one of the most expansive theatre productions from India, complete with 550 outfits created by the famous Indian designer Manish Malhotra and 150 cast members.

After traveling to several countries including performances in Singapore and Dubai, It has now finally come to the U.S. with the final tour stops in San Jose, California and Pheonix, Arizona.

“Mughal E Azam: The Musical” is yet another example of the timeless art of South Asia that is starting to be appreciated by audiences everywhere.

Learn more about the production here and buy tickets to the U.S. shows here.

📣 Other News:

• Travis Scott releases his much-awaited album Utopia.

• Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Kapoor’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani hits theatres this weekend.

• Made In Heaven Season 2 hits Amazon Prime on August 10.

• Pop star Ariana Grande is in hot water as rumors swirl about her alleged affair with her Broadway co-star.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• Watchlist: BFunk to put out online dance classes

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Writers: Saumya Monga & Rumneek Johal
Editor: Rumneek Johal

This week in the newsletter: Couples getting married are finding new ways to go viral, including inventing a new job description, a sex scene in Oppenheimer has India big mad, and much more.

— Rumneek

Why is India pissed about Oppenheimer?

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has sparked controversy in India over a sex scene involving the Hindu sacred text, Bhagavad Gita.

In addition, actress Florence Pugh’s nudity is covered with a digitally added black dress to appease censorship regulations in India. Outside of India, the sex scene remains with nudity, as Pugh forces co-actor, Cillian Murphy to recite lines of the Sanskrit text, all while having sex.

The inclusion of the sacred text in a sexual context has angered right-wing groups, who demand measures to protect religious sentiments.

The incident sheds light on the need for sensitivity when portraying historical and religious subjects in cinema. As Oppenheimer demonstrates, striking a balance between creative expression and cultural respect remains a significant challenge for the film industry.

What did you think about the sex scene’s inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita?

“Wedding Content Creators Have Arrived.”

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Are you tired of the slow turtle-paced photographers and videographers who get you your professional pictures months, if not years after your moment has already passed? And you finally get your pictures a year later but now you’re too self-conscious about sharing your moments from your wedding? Worry no more, because new heroes have emerged into the wedding industry… Welcome the Wedding Content Creator.

But first, what exactly do they do? How much does it cost?

What Exactly Do They Do?

A Wedding Content Creator is a hired professional who comes and captures planned content for your event with something as simple as an iPhone. An iPhone 13 plus if you’re lucky. They use their knowledge of social media trends including, music and the “right angles” to emphasize the best moments from your day to be easily shared on social media.

This is a perfect solution for people wanting content on demand and not having to wait for professional photos or videos, hiring content creators is the perfect solution—not to mention it could help your wedding go viral.

Sharan Gill, a Canadian bride turned content creator with Socials by Sharan, says despite just starting out in the industry a month ago, she has already received an offer to be flown out on a destination wedding in Mexico.

Gill says that while some may hire content creators to produce viral content, this isn’t always the case.

“I often battle the misconception that people hiring me want to "go viral" or "do it for the gram." The brides that I have worked with so far however come from a place of wanting to capture authentic, behind-the-scenes moments and have these immediately available to them. Also, content creation does not replace photographers or videographers who often capture weddings in a more cinematic and editorial style.”

Gill adds that she isn’t sure if content creation for weddings is “just a trend,” but she hopes that those who work with her have a desire for unique, authentic content.

“I want people who enjoy content creation to hire me, because they like the silly TikTok dances and nice little highlight videos. I hope it doesn't go down a road of people feeling obligated to hire a content creator just because everyone's doing it.”

@socialsby.s

I forgot this was in my drafts oops #yeg #yyc #weddingcontentcreator #wedding #indianwedding #punjabi #2024bride #2023bride

So, How much do they charge?

One creator based in Seattle/Vancouver has their prices listed at starting at $400 for a basic package, that includes 3-8 hours of coverage and 5-10 edited recap videos.

Another Ontario-based creator has packages starting at $400 and going up to $1000 for ten hours of coverage for up to eight reels, and polaroids, as well as content planning meetings.

A US-based creator, Amrish or “Rish Creations,” has also dipped into offering content creation as a part of his services.

From $700-$2000 depending on the package, Amrish offers both kinds of services, to give his clients the best of both worlds.

It poses the question: $1000 to go viral NOW? Or $10,000 for photos that last forever?

Can Cricket Break Through in America?

Silicon Valley has invested a staggering $160 million into Major League Cricket (MLC), aiming to introduce cricket to the American market. Notable investors like Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe CEO), and Shah Rukh Khan (“Naam toh suna hoga”) have backed this venture, sparking curiosity about its potential success.

While cricket is hugely popular in almost all other parts of the world, it remains relatively unknown to American sports enthusiasts. Can MLC break through the American sporting landscape and find a substantial fanbase?

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📣 Other News:

• Punjabi music legend Surinder Shinda passed away on July 25 according to his family.

• Diljit Dosanjh just linked up with SIA—showing no signs of slowing down.

• Made In Heaven Season 2 hits Amazon Prime on August 10.

• Arnav Kapoor, a student from MIT has invented a device that helps navigate the internet by issuing internal commands.

• Jay Sean releases a new track with Ezu, Tu Hi Tu.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• The Deodorant Epidemic in India

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Writers: Aneesa Khan, Saumya Monga & Rumneek Johal
Editor: Rumneek Johal

This week: Did a new Bollywood movie compare a bad relationship to the Holocaust? Hrithik Roshan as Bollywood Ken? & Who is the Brown Tristan Thompson in yet another cheating scandal?

— Rumneek

Hrithik Roshan: Bollywood Ken

Nothing says “Kenergy” like Hrithik Roshan’s character in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, with a suitable Barbie in Kareena Kapoor by his side.

Over the course of his career, this Bollywood heart throb has been cast in numerous action films, rightfully earning his spot among other action heroes in the industry.

But, despite his best efforts, his most beloved, fondly recalled films are always the ones in which he plays a supporting presence to the women in his life—the ones where his entire role is to look good, dance well, and charm the ladies.

Like Ken.

From K3G, to Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, to Mujhse Dosti Karoge—Roshan absolutely crushes it at playing the “guy next door.”

And obviously, his looks help him play the part. and At 49-years-old, Roshan is still in immaculate shape, with no signs of slowing down.

So if there is a brown Barbie, is it Roshan who should get the call?

Who has your vote for Brown Barbie and Brown Ken?

Bollywood Film Makes Insensitive Comments About Holocaust

What is all the commotion surrounding Bawaal?

Bollywood movies are no stranger to controversy, but one of its latest offerings has hit a new low. Marketed as a love story set against the backdrop of a European vacation, Bawaal, which recently released on Amazon Prime Video, follows Ajay and Nisha, an Indian middle class couple who marry despite having nothing in common.

The couple takes a trip to select cities in Europe under the pretense of seeing the sights significant in World War II for Ajay, a teacher, to educate his students.

Their travels and the context of World War II are used as a metaphor for their struggling relationship.

If the premise itself sounds troublesome, the dialogues are no better. Nisha’s statements of “We are all too a little like Hitler, aren’t we?” and “Every relationship goes through their Auschwitz” in the film have caused audiences to reel back with disgust.

Twitter tweet

Scenes depict Nisha and Ajay in a gas chamber surrounded by other prisoners, a disturbing call back to the horrifying crimes perpetrated by the Nazis against Jews, Romani gypsies, and other minorities at that time.

The entire film is a tone-deaf attempt at relating a day-to-day struggle to one of the biggest genocides in human history. While film is a flexible media that can portray people’s experiences in a variety of ways, Bawaal’s attempt to use World War II and the Holocaust as a coming of age tool is absolutely abysmal.

Zayn Malik Drops New Single

Former boy band heartthrob turned quintessential bad boy Zayn Malik is releasing new music this month, and before he does, he is giving more insight into the man behind the music.

Malik’s debut 2016 album “Mind of Mine” solidified his online persona: a heavily tattooed, brooding bad boy who was now fresh off leaving a wholesome boy band that garnered the attention of young fans everywhere.

Throughout the years, Zayn has maintained an elusive digital presence, making it easier for people to project and stereotype him as whatever they wanted him to be.

He was quiet, serious, and “an outsider” – perhaps this characterization came from the fact that he looked different than the rest of his white bandmates, or maybe it came from the fact that he stayed relatively away from the spotlight.

But like it is with most people, there is always more than meets the eye. And for Zayn, little clues were left in his music.

Born to a Pakistani father and a British mother, Zayn’s music contains visible elements of his Desi identity—whether it’s a song entirely in Urdu or vocals featuring South Asian runs or ragas like on “Back to Life” from his 2018 album “Icarus Falls.”

On “Mind of Mine,” he softly croons in Urdu on “INTERMISSION: fLoWer” as he poetically compares love to a plant. It’s a brief interlude but gives listeners a little more insight into his life.

“Icarus Falls” also showcased Zayn’s ability to build a narrative as he compared love to the Greek myth of Icarus who, in an attempt to escape, flew too close to the sun and died in the sea.

Despite what the media speculates about Zayn’s life including the infamous 2021 altercation he had with his then-girlfriend Gigi Hadid’s mother, it’s clear that there is a lot they got wrong.

Recently, Zayn sat down for a rare interview with Alex Cooper, host of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. He spoke in depth about his introverted tendencies. He shared that he enjoys reading poetry and playing music alone in his room – definitely not what is expected of a mysterious “bad boy.”

Zayn’s 2021 album “Nobody is Listening” continued to showcase his softer side featuring even more acoustic ballads.

On “Tightrope,” his vocals float and echo over the steady guitar as he sings in Urdu again, quoting “Chaudhvin Ka Chand” by the iconic Indian singer Mohammed Rafi.

His latest single “Love Like This” may once again prove to fans and the media that he isn’t really who we think he is.

Either way, it’s clear that Zayn isn’t your typical superstar, not because he is “mysterious” but because he truly isn’t here to play the game. He just wants to make music and spend time with his daughter (and chickens).

Is Amir Khan the brown Tristan Thompson?

Former world boxing champion and reality star Amir Khan was in the headlines this week—once again, for all the wrong reasons.

Amir Khan, who has previously been accused of cheating on his wife Faryal Makhdoom over 9 times, has yet again been accused of sending racy text messages to an influencer behind his wife’s back.

A model and influencer took to TikTok to share her story about inappropriate text messages sent to her by Khan.

She alleges that Khan begged her for racy photos, and dismissed his marriage as simply a “business arrangement.”

(He has three children with his wife).

Now, Khan says he is seeking therapy to help him stop sexting other women.

Makdhoom also issued a public statement saying she “refuses to let her marriage play out publicly.”

But it looks like her man didn’t think about that.

Is Khan the Brown Tristan Thompson?

📣 Other News:

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• Diljit Dosanjh links with A Boogie With Da Hoodie.

• Manish Malhotra’s 2023 Bridal Couture Fashion Show featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Kapoor.

• The highly anticipated “Summer High Festival” in Toronto gets cancelled without explanation.

• “Arranged Love” and E! Original Movie airs on July 30.

• India imposes major rice export ban, “triggering fears of further inflation on global food markets.”

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• The Deodorant epidemic in India

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Writers: Nikita Satapathy, Saumya Monga & Rumneek Johal
Editor: Rumneek Johal

This week: Imagine our surprise when we learned one of the summer’s most anticipated movies has ties to the Bhagavad Gita…& we talk about whether or not FOMO (aka “fear of missing out”) can be a good thing.

— Rumneek

Did you know about Oppenheimer’s connection to the Bhagavad Gita?

Christopher Nolan’s latest film, a biopic on American physicist, Robert J. Oppenheimer involves a little history lesson that traces back to India.

On July 16, 1945, as Oppenheimer, who is known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” witnessed the first successful test of the bomb, AKA ‘Trinity,’ he famously quoted a verse from the Bhagavad-Gita: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

What’s the connection?

Originating in ancient India, the Bhagavad-Gita is a Hindu scripture that contains a dialogue between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide. It explores dharma (duty/righteousness), yoga (the path of self-realization), and the nature of the self, providing guidance on how to lead a virtuous and purposeful life while facing moral dilemmas and inner conflicts. The quote in question is part of a conversation where Krishna reveals his divine form to Arjuna, a form that embodies the destructive power of creation and annihilation.

Oppenheimer’s connection to this verse, in particular, relates to his own moral conflict regarding the atomic bomb, recognizing the devastating consequences and the immense responsibility he and his colleagues bore for wielding such destructive power.

Cillian Murphy, the film’s star, even admitted to reading the Bhagavad Gita in preparation.

How did the verse represent Oppenheimer’s state of mind?

This connection to the Bhagavad-Gita has since become an iconic representation of Oppenheimer's contemplation on the moral and existential implications of the atomic bomb. It highlights the inner struggle and the profound impact that the project had on his worldview. The quote serves as a reminder of the ethical questions raised by scientific advancements and the need for responsible decision-making when dealing with technologies of immense destructive potential.

Watchlist: AJ Wavy

AJ Wavy’s eclectic and delightful collection of mashups should be illegal.

Born in London, AJ Wavy engages listeners with tracks that you would never think to mix together. Using Tiktok to connect with a global audience, the DJ and producer spellbinds his own family members with unpredictable sounds that he calls “Illegal Mashups” — a perfect blend of wholesome and viral. The results are guaranteed to be hilarious and addictive.

Wavy’s mixes push the boundaries of innovation. His mix combining “Hotline Bling” x “Laal Ghaghra” has reached 15M+ views across Youtube and Tiktok and captured the attention of Liverpool FC and Formula 1.

@ajwavy

She made play this like 9 times😂 #funny #mashup #remix #nan #desi

Other mixes that are sure to blow your mind include “Closer” x “Apna Bana Le”, “Levitating” x “Jugni”, and “Jehda Nasha” x “Old Town Road”. His viral TikTok sound incorporating “The Good Part” by AJR inspired viewers to create 71K posts, celebrating momentous life occasions and inspiring wanderlust with their travel destinations.

AJ Wavy’s momentum has shown no signs of slowing down. He has amassed an astounding 800K+ on Tiktok and 360K+ followers on IG.

He also recently signed to Sony Music Entertainment India, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

No More FOMO

Are the days of attending the wedding of every person you’ve ever met over?

Well, some think it should be.

TikToker Tina Singh answers this question in an insightful way in her latest video. The mother and online creator emphasizes the need to normalize missing events, including wedding ceremonies, engagement parties or the dozens of South Asian wedding events, for a variety of reasons—something that has long been unheard of for South Asians.

@thetinasingh

Do you agree? #momsoftiktok #momsover40 #momtok #browntiktok #brownmom #brownmomtok #southasian #brownweddings #normalize

“Now don’t misunderstand me,” she says. “If you are close person to me, I am your ride or die. I am there celebrating you no matter what’s going on in my life”.

However, she goes on to explain that attending events out of obligation should not be the norm—and with good reason. People may have other commitments, struggles with their own physical or mental health, or financial restrictions that can prevent them from being able to attend—particularly when it comes to the week-long soirees that South Asians are accustomed to.

Or, it can be as simple as they don’t want to come.

I mean think about it—we’ve all been to the weddings of people we barely know, and our families are under the expectation we will invite our entire extended community to ours—even if we haven’t seen or spoken to them in years.

Some may have felt that attending out of obligation was better than being named and shamed for missing a wedding, but it sounds like times may be changing for South Asians and their need to attend every single event.

And Singh is right; there should be no punishment for putting the brakes on accepting every invitation. There will still be hundreds of others on the guest list regardless.

What do you think? Is it okay to opt-out of events now and again, or will your mom still yell at you for not attending?

📣 Other News:

• Khanvict releases “Cyber Bazaar” with Raaginder 

• Deepika Padukone film “Project K” to be the first Indian film to debut at Comic-Con this week.

• India launches an AI news anchor named “Lisa”.

• Chandrayaan-3, India’s third moon mission launched successfully.

• NPC streamers are on the rise on TikTok… and it’s getting weird.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• Is SRK Overrated?

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Writers: Aneesa Khan, Nikita Satapathy & Rumneek Johal
Editor: Rumneek Johal