Music platform Coke Studio has announced a significant milestone for the song Khalasi. The number is perhaps the first Gujarati song to cross over global charts and is trending on India’s leading audio streaming and search apps. Khalasi is also at #1 on the Shazam Top 200.
Released in July 2023, the composition blends tradition with innovation, celebrating the cultural tapestry of Gujarat. Khalasi tells the tale of the limitless sailor who has set out to explore through the shores of Gujarat. The song speaks of his adventurous voyage, his experiences, and the enthusiasm with which he takes on life while he is sailing.
Penned by writer Saumya Joshi, the song, heard as “Gotilo, Godilo,” has been making a mark even beyond the Gujarati-speaking audience. The song has been composed by Achint Thakkar and is joined by playback singer Aditya Gadhvi.
Playback singer Aditya Gadhvi said, “Khalasi is a musical journey close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to see it resonate with people on such a grand scale. Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, and the success of Khalasi is a testament to the power of authenticity and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.”
Achint, the talent behind ‘Khalasi,’ said, “Khalasi’s success is a blend of tradition and innovation. We wanted to pay homage to Gujarat’s cultural roots while infusing a contemporary sound. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see how people have embraced this fusion of music and celebrated the culture of our land.”
Devraj Sanyal, Chairman CEO – India South Asia and SVP Strategy Africa, Middle East & Asia, Universal Music Group, said, “At UMG we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. There’s no better example of this than what we see with Khalasi from Coke Studio Bharat S01. This song, despite being in a regional language, has become one of the most viral songs of 2023, and it’s not just a cultural moment but a moment that’s shaping culture, not only in India but also across the diaspora worldwide, and even among mainstream audiences who love its vibe, even if they don’t comprehend the song’s lyrics.”
Arnab Roy, Vice President Marketing, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, emphasised the brand’s commitment to promoting Indian music and culture. “It’s heartening to see artists, creators and fans coming together on Khalasi, to create their own renditions and videos, turning the song into a success with 4.5 billion views. It exemplifies the vision of Coke Studio Bharat, taking regional talent and music forms in the country to a global landscape, with authenticity.”
Coca-Cola has partnered with Universal Music India (UMI) as executive producers for the launch of Coke Studio Bharat.
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