Did Salim Merchant Just Surprise Sonu Nigam with a Special Diwali Gift at Times Square?
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Synopsis
In a dazzling celebration of Diwali at Times Square, Salim Merchant surprised Sonu Nigam with a heartfelt gift, showcasing the global impact of Indian music. The duo's upcoming project, Bhoomi 2025, promises an exciting mix of genres featuring renowned artists, making this festive moment a highlight in the music industry.
Key Takeaways
- Salim Merchant celebrated Diwali in Times Square with Sonu Nigam.
- He presented a meaningful Diwali gift to Sonu.
- The project Bhoomi 2025 showcases Indian music's global influence.
- Featured artists include Shankar Mahadevan, Papon, and Shreya Ghoshal.
- The initiative explores diverse genres and aims to discover new talent.
Mumbai, Oct 19 (NationPress) Renowned music composer Salim Merchant marked Diwali in an extravagant manner at New York's Times Square, creating a memorable experience with Sonu Nigam.
During the celebrations, Salim bestowed a meaningful Diwali gift upon Sonu, commemorating a festive moment while underscoring the international influence of Indian music through the upcoming project Bhoomi 2025. On Sunday, he shared a video on his Instagram, featuring himself in front of Times Square, where their song illuminated the big screen. His caption read, “Celebrating Diwali at Times Square, and here’s a Diwali gift for @sonunigamofficial @paradox.here & @shraddhapandit. Feeling so happy to bring Indian music to the world! Bhoomi 2025.”
In the video, Merchant expressed his excitement, saying, “Her Jogiya on Times Square. Wow. Thank you Sonu Nigam, Paradox, and Shraddha Pandit. It feels awesome, really.” The duo of Salim and Sulaiman Merchant has launched the latest edition of their celebrated annual musical initiative, Bhoomi.
Initially introduced in 1999 with a forward-thinking approach, the project was revived in 2020. For Bhoomi 2025, the brothers curated an extraordinary lineup of songs that span various genres and languages. Featured artists included a Gujarati Krishna pop track with Parthiv Gohil, a classical-pop fusion with Shankar Mahadevan, and a romantic ballad featuring Shaan. High-energy dance performances were presented by Sonu Nigam and Paradox, while heartfelt melodies were delivered by Papon and Shreya Ghoshal.
This edition also showcased a Kashmiri composition with Noor Mohammad, a Punjabi anthem with OAFF, Burrah, Krish Mondal, and Sudan, along with an Uttarakhandi track featuring Pawandeep Rajan and Hansika Pareek.
Discussing the project, Sulaiman remarked earlier, “We have consistently aimed to explore new genres and discover emerging artists. Initially, we focused on folk and devotional music, then transitioned into pop. We’ve experimented with hip hop and EDM, and now we present a magnificent blend of styles. Next year, we aspire to include Malayalam, Tamil, Odissi music, and venture into the far east in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Point of View
Salim Merchant's celebration of Diwali in New York symbolizes the unifying power of music. The collaboration with Sonu Nigam and the launch of Bhoomi 2025 highlights India’s rich musical heritage and its global appeal. The Nation remains committed to bringing you stories that celebrate our cultural milestones.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bhoomi 2025?
Bhoomi 2025 is the latest edition of a musical initiative launched by Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, featuring a diverse lineup of songs across various genres and languages, aiming to showcase the richness of Indian music globally.
Where did Salim Merchant celebrate Diwali?
Salim Merchant celebrated Diwali at Times Square in New York City, a vibrant location that amplified the festive spirit.
Who were the featured artists in Bhoomi 2025?
Bhoomi 2025 features a mix of renowned artists including Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, Papon, and Shreya Ghoshal, among others, showcasing a variety of genres.
What was the significance of the Diwali gift?
The Diwali gift presented to Sonu Nigam symbolized the joy and celebration of Indian music, emphasizing the impact of cultural exchange in a global setting.
What genres will Bhoomi 2025 explore?
Bhoomi 2025 aims to explore a mix of genres including folk, pop, hip hop, and classical, representing the rich diversity of Indian music.
