A 14-year-old devotional video has quietly achieved something extraordinary, becoming the first and only Indian upload to cross 5 billion views on YouTube.
While many Indian music videos have gone viral, Shree Hanuman Chalisa has quietly captured the hearts of millions, turning into a digital phenomenon that feels more like a shared cultural experience than just an online hit.
Released on May 10, 2011, by T-Series, the video features the late Gulshan Kumar and has grown steadily over the years to reach an astounding 5,006,713,956 views.
The video, which features soulful vocals by Hariharan and a timeless composition by Lalit Sen, has struck a chord with devotees of all ages and served as a reminder of the enduring power of music and faith.
Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director of T-Series, reflected on the milestone with deep emotion. “Hanuman Chalisa holds a special place in the hearts of millions, including mine. My father, Shri Gulshan Kumar ji, devoted his life to taking spiritual music to every household, and this milestone is a reflection of his vision. Crossing 5 billion views and also being YouTube’s top 10 most viewed videos of all time is not just a digital achievement; it reflects the unwavering devotion people have in this country,” he said.
No other Indian video comes close to this feat. The Punjabi hit Lehenga sits at 1.8 billion views, while 52 Gaj Ka Daman and Rowdy Baby follow with 1.7 billion each.
Even though songs like Zaroori Tha, Vaaste, Laung Laachi, Lut Gaye, Dilbar, and Bum Bum Bole are extremely well-known, none of them can compare to the consistent attention that Shree Hanuman Chalisa has received for more than ten years.
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Viral hits like Baby Shark Dance (16.38 billion views), Despacito (8.85 billion), and Wheels on the Bus (8.16 billion) rule the world stage, but Shree Hanuman Chalisa's ranking in the top 10 demonstrates the distinct bond Indian viewers have with religious content.
Families, children, and devotees around the world return to this video day after day, finding comfort, inspiration, and a sense of shared spirituality.
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