5 Iconic Indian-International Singer Collabs You Need On Your Playlist
Each one more incredible than the other!
In things that were not on our 2024 Bingo card, famous American rapper Pitbull has joined hands with none other than Diljit Dosanjh for a song in the upcoming horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Set to hit theaters on November 1, the Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri-starrer has already piqued fans' interest, and this musical crossover only adds to the hype. Diljit’s been taking the world by storm with his Dil-luminati tour, and Pitbull—well, he’s Mr. Worldwide no less.
The track brings together a cool mix of global and Indian vibes. It keeps that classic Bhool Bhulaiyaa magic, blending the iconic 'Hare Ram - Hare Krishna' with some fresh, modern beats from Pritam and Tanishk Bagchi.
Much like this track from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Bollywood has a long history of producing remarkable music that merges the best of desi and international singing sensations. Let’s take a look at some other memorable musical collaborations that brought together the finest voices from India and across the globe.
1. Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife) – King and Nick Jonas
One of the biggest musical crossovers of 2023 was King’s hit Maan Meri Jaan receiving an “afterlife” with American pop star Nick Jonas.
The fusion of King’s heartfelt Hindi lyrics with Nick’s smooth English vocals created a blend that instantly struck a chord with fans of both Bollywood and international pop.
2. Chiggy Wiggy – Sonu Nigam and Kylie Minogue
Chiggy Wiggy from Blue was an unforgettable fusion, bringing together India’s beloved Sonu Nigam and Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue.
Released in 2009, this catchy dance track blended Kylie’s soft, sensual vocals with Sonu’s lively tenor, all backed by dhol beats. The mix of Hindi and English, along with that touch of Bollywood flair, made it a hit and kept it on party playlists for years.
3. 2Step – Armaan Malik and Ed Sheeran
A relatively recent collaboration in 2022, 2Step saw Indian pop sensation Armaan Malik joining forces with British superstar Ed Sheeran.
The song, part of Sheeran’s album =, showcased Malik’s melodic voice alongside Sheeran’s acoustic beats. This collaboration was a major milestone for Malik, putting him on the global music scene.
4. Chammak Challo – Vishal-Shekhar and Akon
One of the most iconic Indo-international music partnerships to date, Chammak Challo from Ra.One became an instant global hit in 2011.
Featuring music by Bollywood duo Vishal-Shekhar and vocals by American singer Akon, the track brought Bollywood to an international audience with Akon’s smooth delivery of Hindi lyrics. The song's infectious rhythm and dance appeal made it a chartbuster and a must-play track at every party.
5. ADMIRIN' YOU – Karan Aujla, Ikky, and Preston Pablo
The Punjabi music industry has long been pushing boundaries, and Karan Aujla’s collaboration with Canadian artists Ikky and Preston Pablo for ADMIRIN' YOU further emphasizes the global reach of Punjabi music.
Released in 2023, the song blends Aujla's raw talent with Ikky's production expertise and Pablo's catchy pop-driven lyrics.