The First Hindi-Language Top 10 Smash On Billboard’s Global Chart

Faheem Abdullah’s “Saiyaara” becomes the first Hindi song to hit the top 10 on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. (© Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd.)

© Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd.

Every so often, a song breaks through and shatters norms of what can be a “hit” all around the world. It’s happened in the past with different genres and languages, and the internet and streaming platforms have leveled the playing field for all musicians everywhere to reach large audiences.

This week, a Hindi-language track, “Saiyaara,” is on the rise on some of Billboard’s most competitive charts, becoming a historic smash – the kind that the world hasn’t seen before.

Faheem Abdullah Makes His Mark Globally

Faheem Abdullah’s “Saiyaara” is rewriting the rulebook when it comes to international commercial success. This week, the soaring ballad debuts at No. 10 on the Billboard Global 200 and catapults to No. 4 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart.

That leap — from No. 177 the week prior — isn’t just impressive, it’s one of the largest of all time. The song is featured in the film Saiyaara, helmed by director Mohit Suri and starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, and the movie has quickly become a blockbuster in India, and it may soon score a worldwide release.

A First for India — and for Hindi

According to Billboard, “Saiyaara” is the first Hindi-language track to break into the top 10 on either of the global rankings. It is also the first song by an Indian artist to achieve the feat. Billboard’s global charts, which launched in 2020, have become the definitive measure of a song’s reach across international markets, regardless of language or genre.

Streaming Surge Pushes “Saiyaara” Skyward

According to Luminate, “Saiyaara” pulled in 98 million streams during the week ending July 24. That figure is up a staggering 321% from the previous frame. That kind of growth is rare for any cut, and for an Indian release, it’s almost unheard of.

Indian Soundtracks Enter the Global Conversation

Indian cinema and music have long gone hand-in-hand, but rarely has that synergy resulted in a worldwide crossover as powerful as “Saiyaara” has managed. While songs from Bollywood films occasionally pop up on international charts, none have climbed as high as “Saiyaara.” The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. rankings have made room in the past few years for Korean, Japanese, and Spanish-language hits, but until now, no Hindi song had broken into the top tier, and the tune could continue to climb in the coming frames.