Is Marathi Music a Hidden Goldmine? Insights from Sanju Rathod of 'Gulabi Sadi' Fame

Mumbai, July 5 (NationPress) Playback singer Sanju Rathod, known for his hit Marathi song ‘Shaky’, is garnering immense acclaim and believes that the Marathi language is a treasure trove of musical opportunities waiting to be uncovered. He highlights the potential for exploration within Marathi music, emphasizing its richness.

His latest track ‘Shaky’, which showcases an energetic fusion of Afrobeat, has climbed to the top of global digital charts, establishing itself as the biggest Marathi song of the year and igniting a cultural movement.

Previously, his Marathi song ‘Gulabi Sadi’ also made waves online, going viral and inspiring countless Reels.

In an interview with IANS, Sanju expressed, “For me, this is a monumental achievement for the Marathi language. As a member of the Banjara community, our unique dialect enriches our experience, yet Marathi has always been fundamental to our identity. I hold immense appreciation for this land and the affection I’ve received here.”

Within just two months of its release, ‘Shaky’ has amassed an astonishing 150 million views on YouTube, 25 million streams on Spotify, and has inspired over 4 million Instagram Reels, 4.5 million TikTok videos, and 3.9 million YouTube Shorts.

He continued, “I sincerely believe that Marathi as a language is still largely uncharted territory, particularly in the realm of contemporary mainstream music. My goal has always been to integrate Marathi effortlessly with Hindi and English, adopting a colloquial, accessible style so the language can resonate not just within Maharashtra, but throughout India and globally.”

Sanju sees the expansion of Marathi music into new audiences as more than a personal triumph; it represents a cultural milestone. It illustrates that language can act as a bridge rather than a barrier. His ambition is to elevate Marathi to a global platform.

Numerous public figures and creators have embraced the movement, including celebrities like Rupali Ganguly, Rakul Preet Singh, Chitrangada Singh, and Kusha Kapila, who have shared their own videos to the track, enhancing its visibility.

The success of ‘Shaky’ signifies a pivotal achievement for Believe Artist Services, who have been vital partners in Sanju's artistic journey. Shilpa Sharda, the Director of Artist Services for India and South Asia at Believe, commented, “Sanju’s music exemplifies how regional sounds, when authentically blended with global genres, can transcend boundaries. With ‘Shaky’ and ‘Gulabi Sadi’, he is ushering in a new era for Marathi pop. At Believe, we are proud to support artists like Sanju who are forging connections between local narratives and global audiences.”

With an expanding international following, viral trends, and innovative genre-blending, Sanju Rathod is not just producing hits; he is reshaping the Marathi pop (MPop) landscape.