Aditya Rikhari and Sanju Rathod are set to headline Hyundai Spotlight Season 4, a collaborative music platform presented by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) in partnership with Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB), that brings together established and emerging artists from across India. The new season kicks off with 'Pahije', a lively Marathi track by Sanju Rathod featuring Juilee Joglekar, blending romance, festivity and regional flavour.

Artists on Joining Season 4

Aditya Rikhari, returning to the platform after the success of 'Gori' from Season 3, said alongside collaborator Ravator: 'Coming back to Hyundai Spotlight for another season feels special, especially after the love that 'Gori' received. As artists, we are always looking for new ways to tell stories through music, and Spotlight gives us the space to experiment, collaborate and create something we may not have explored otherwise.'

Rikhari added: 'We are excited for listeners to hear what we've created this season and hope they connect with it in their own way.'

Sanju Rathod, who joins the platform for the first time this season, reflected on what drew him in: 'For me, music has always been about staying true to where I come from while finding new ways to take that sound forward. Hyundai Spotlight brings artists with different journeys and musical styles together, and that makes the creative process really exciting.'

Rathod added: 'I'm happy to be part of Season 4 and to bring my sound and perspective to a platform that celebrates different voices and gives them the opportunity to reach listeners across the country.'

Season 4 Lineup and Format

The new season pairs established artists — Sanju Rathod, Raghav Chaitanya, Ninja, and Aditya Rikhari — with emerging voices including Juilee Joglekar, Mehtab Ali Niazi, Shifaqat Ali, and Ravator. Each pairing will produce original tracks that blend their individual styles and musical backgrounds, with a particular focus on India's regional music landscape.

What the Platform Has Built So Far

Across its first three seasons, Hyundai Spotlight has released 18 original songs and featured a diverse roster of artists including King, Aastha Gill, Jassie Gill, Benny Dayal, Shilpa Rao, Nikhita Gandhi, Arjun Kanungo, Hiphop Tamizha, Gurnazar, Javed Ali, Gajendra Verma, and Wazir Patar, among others.

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO, India and South Asia, SVP Strategy, AMEA, Universal Music Group, said: 'Now in its fourth season, Hyundai Spotlight has grown into an important part of India's music ecosystem, built around a simple belief that extraordinary talent can come from anywhere.'

Sanyal added: 'Season 4 goes deep into India's regional music and emerging artists, celebrating the depth and variety that exists across the country, and harnessing the power of established artists to help up and coming talent reach new audiences.'

Wider Significance for Indian Music

The platform's cross-genre, cross-regional model is increasingly relevant as Hindi film music's dominance faces competition from regional pop, indie, and folk-fusion acts. Notably, Season 4's opening with a Marathi track signals a deliberate push into non-Hindi markets at a time when Marathi pop has seen a surge in streaming numbers. All eyes will be on whether this season's collaborations produce a viral breakout to rival past Spotlight hits.