The Indian music sensation Armaan Malik is no stranger to the limelight, yet there’s a fresh wave of worldwide acclaim surrounding him in recent months. Everything kicked off when he delivered a stunning surprise performance with Ed Sheeran. This powerful appearance was just the beginning, as it was closely followed by high-profile collaborations with renowned figures in the pop scene such as The Chainsmokers and Marshmallow. His latest venture with British singer-songwriter Calum Scott has quickly amassed billions of views, underscoring his influence on the global music stage.
In addition to these achievements, Malik’s pioneering spirit has also led him to become the first musician to launch a personal podcast on Apple Music titled ‘Only Just Begun.’ On the precipice of fame, Malik modestly acknowledges that these events are the fruits of strategic endeavors that extended over years, rather than mere serendipity.
Transforming perceptions has been at the forefront for Malik, who for years was primarily viewed through the lens of an Indian playback singer—a label deeply ingrained in his identity from a career spanning 16 years. However, his ambitions have seen him emerge as a dynamic independent pop singer-songwriter, which resonated resoundingly during his performance with Ed Sheeran, underlining his metamorphosis on an international platform. Malik takes pride in blending Indian classical music with global pop, thereby progressing Indian heritage and music on the world stage.
Despite not having a homegrown idol to emulate in his early career, Malik aspires to bridge that gap for up-and-coming artists—envisioning being the icon he once sought. Fervently embracing the dream of global pop stardom since childhood, he understood the universal reach of Bollywood music yet did not confine himself to it. Malik explored the vast canvas of Indian languages, celebrating regional music both domestically and internationally. He has openly discussed these journeys, and the effort it took to cultivate a considerable audience for Hindi music specifically. Malik noted that while Spanish and Korean music have found universal audiences, he aimed to elevate Hindi music from its Bollywood confines to a broader pop music landscape.
A testimony to his versatility, Malik has intertwined Hindi with English in his songs. But it was with his pure English singles that he found his gateway to the Western world. The singer expresses his ambition to continue experimenting with fusions that highlight Indian culture and desires to expand his horizon, reaching out not only to the Indian diaspora but beyond.
Acknowledging the powerful current of social media in making overnight sensations, Malik believes that experience still imparts invaluable lessons. Having released over 300 songs over his 16 years, he stands by a career philosophy inflected by dedication and forethought. Malik emphasizes the importance for artists to define their sound, share their personality genuinely, and embrace opportunities to both flourish and falter. It’s the blend of virality and endurance powered by diligent work and sincerity that can assure a long-lasting career. Malik looks back on a journey that feels like a quarter-century compressed into 16 years, and with that wisdom, he plans to cultivate pop artists under his label and disseminate his learnings.
With the spotlight shining brighter than ever, Armaan Malik continues to challenge and redefine what it means to be a pop icon of the 21st century, unconfined by geographic or cultural boundaries. His path is a testament to the mix of vision and versatility required to resonate with global audiences, and how an artist from India can aspire to not only join but influence the ranks of world-renowned music giants. As he forges ahead, Malik not only carries the legacy of Indian music with him but also paves a golden path for those who follow.
