Popular Indian singer Armaan Malik, known for his soulful voice and dynamic performances, has been nominated for the third time at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs). This year, he is recognized in the Best India Act category for his duet Always with British singer Calum Scott.
Malik expressed his gratitude for the honour, sharing that each nomination strengthens his commitment to representing Indian music on a global scale. “As an Indian artist, it’s a huge honour to represent India on a global platform like this,” he said, feeling motivated to bring India’s unique sounds to the international stage.
Armaan attributes his growth to his ability to transcend language barriers. Beyond Hindi, he sings in English, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, positioning himself as a pan-India artist. He believes that venturing into independent music, or “I-pop,” has given him the freedom to shape his own sound, remarking, “Being just a playback singer was very restrictive.”
Collaborating with International Stars and Indian Music’s Global Rise
Malik’s collaboration with Calum Scott on Always was seamless. “We shared a similar vibe, and the song just came together in our very first session,” he said. Both artists, known for their emotional ballads, connected on a deeper level, bringing their personal emotions to the track.
Armaan noted how Indian artists like Diljit Dosanjh are gaining global attention with sold-out shows worldwide. Malik recently achieved a milestone by performing at a sold-out concert in Hyderabad, where 35,000 fans attended. This surge in appreciation for Indian music has been incredible, he said, adding, “The love and excitement fans have for Indian music and artists now—it’s just phenomenal.”
India: A New Hub for Global Music Performances
India has rapidly emerged as a popular destination for international acts like Coldplay, Maroon 5, and Ed Sheeran. With such demand, Malik emphasizes expanding the country’s entertainment infrastructure to host large events. The arrival of Western artists is helping elevate Indian talent, Malik observed, noting that “because of this whole movement, Indian artists are becoming bigger than ever.”
As more international and Indian artists perform for packed audiences, India’s role on the global music map continues to grow. With artists like Armaan Malik and others leading the way, Indian music is experiencing unprecedented recognition and success worldwide.