From Bollywood to I-Pop: Armaan Malik’s bold musical shift

Armaan Malik's musical shift explained

Film songs have dominated charts and influenced popular taste for decades, greatly influencing India's music industry.

But in the midst of this stronghold, Armaan Malik made a different decision that would lead him outside of the movie industry and into the world of independent, personal storytelling.

It was a daring move, particularly for a well-known performer, but it would subtly change the course of his career and help shape what is now becoming India's unique pop music identity.

Often celebrated as a key figure in the evolution of Indian Pop — or I-Pop — Armaan’s artistry lies in his ability to blend the familiar warmth of Indian musicality with the sleek sensibilities of global pop.

His sound is at once rooted and international, bridging cultures through melody and emotion. Singing in English, Hindi, or Telugu, he weaves an emotional through-line that resonates universally, while still retaining a sense of intimacy.

His early attempts at English-language singles and partnerships with foreign musicians were not merely artistic endeavours; rather, they were subtly laying the groundwork. Armaan showed that there was room for genuine, independent artistry at a time when few mainstream Indian voices were attempting to create music that wasn't for films.

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His dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship, rather than following trends, has led him to curate a body of work that feels both intensely personal and globally relevant over the years.

Rather than seeking overnight reinvention, Armaan continues to push boundaries through deliberate choices, shaping a version of Indian pop that speaks in many tongues but retains a singular heart. His journey reflects a quiet but undeniable shift — the rise of a new kind of Indian artist: one deeply connected to their cultural roots, fluent in multiple musical languages, and confident in telling their own story.

Armaan Malik’s career may not follow the industry’s traditional blueprint, yet his influence is undeniable. He has, in his own understated way, opened doors for Indian pop to step confidently onto the world stage.