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During my recent visit to India, I was stumped with the number of people in the entertainment industry making Samay Raina a chill time discussion norm. Every single room, I am friends with rappers, talent managers, live entertainment producers and music celebrities, all of whom could not stop talking about this guy. While Samay has been around for a while, 2024 to me was the year Samay Raina hit deck. And with class.
His most celebrated venture, India’s Got Latent, has become a landmark in Indian comedy. The show, an ingenious parody of talent shows, showcases hidden talents of individuals while blending comedy, satire, and heartwarming stories. Released on his YouTube channel, the first season amassed over 25 million views per ep with over 6.7 millions subs.
From featuring centre stage in ‘BAWE’ the super hit music video by Raftaar Ft. Badshah to redefining how paid partnerships and sponsorships on content could work Samay clearly is the 2024 internet winner from India and brilliant at that. 2025 makes this superstar the biggest space to watch. If you are a desi down under and have been living under a rock. Go catch a glimpse of India’s Got Latent on Youtube. You will be blown away.
742 thousand tickets were sold on the Dil-luminati Tour across the world making Diljit Dosanjh the flag bearer of Punjabi music. Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon have shown the world how powerful they are as performers. Collectively the trio moved over 1.5Mn tickets. Everyone now awaits the February tour of Honey Singh in India. Punjabi Music will cement its place as a mainstream global genre, akin to Reggaeton or Afrobeat. Artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, and AP Dhillon will continue headlining festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Glastonbury.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music will witness increased consumption of Punjabi playlists, and collaborations with global icons (e.g., Drake, DJ Snake) will amplify its reach. South Asian live entertainment will break attendance records, with mega-tours, music festivals, and cultural expos featuring Bollywood stars, regional artists, and global collaborators.
Cities like Sydney, London, Toronto, and Dubai will host South Asian live events that contribute significantly to local economies.
South Asian podcasts will evolve from conversational formats to high-budget, narrative-driven shows featuring celebrities, cultural analysts, and storytellers.
Celebrity Access: Top podcasters like Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) have hosted global icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Priyanka Chopra, and Jay Shetty, bridging the gap between Indian audiences and international figures.
Fueling Rap Battles: Podcasts such as Raj Shamani's Figuring Out have delved into the music and entertainment industry, featuring candid conversations with rappers and artists. Shamani’s knack for extracting personal and professional rivalries has fueled fan debates and often gone viral on social media, making his platform a key player in the hip-hop discourse in India.
Political Narratives: Platforms like The Lallantop Show, helmed by Saurabh Dwivedi, delve deep into political landscapes, shaping discourse and influencing voter opinions. The long-form format allows for detailed analysis and a rare glimpse into the personalities behind the politics.
Anirudh Ravichander and Sid Sriram are two of the most significant figures in contemporary Indian music.
While Anirudh has revolutionised Tamil cinema music with his innovative compositions He was the composer for ShahRukh Khan’s blockbuster Jawan, further cementing his pan-India appeal. With an edgy persona and a loyal fanbase, Anirudh has become a youth icon, influencing fashion, music, and even meme culture. Tracks like Why This Kolaveri Di (1+ billion views across platforms) and Vaathi Coming (500+ million streams across all platforms) are evergreen hits. His albums consistently feature in Spotify’s Top 10 India charts, with tracks from films like Vikram, Master, and Jawan gaining immense popularity.
Sid Sriram has touched hearts with his soulful renditions. Their impact spans massive listenership, cultural influence, and record-breaking live performances. In 2024, the duo collectively sold over 500,000 tickets worldwide, making them two of the highest-grossing Indian live performers of the year. 2025 will see the inimitable rise of some of the largest acts coming from the South of India to the World.
2025 is poised to be a watershed year for South Asian pop culture, with its influence felt across music, film, comedy, and more. The blend of innovation, tradition, and global collaboration will ensure that South Asia not only stays relevant but leads the way in shaping global entertainment trends. For fans, creators, and businesses, this is just the beginning of a cultural renaissance. Follow @thechaosdrop on instagram for more.
