On the bustling streets of London, amidst the daily rhythm of life, Vish found his stage. A young, driven musician with a dream, he began his journey as a busker, serenading crowds with a mix of Bollywood classics and English hits. Today, Vish is a rising star in the music world, blending cultures and sounds to create something truly unique.
“I never planned to busk,” he recalls with a laugh. “It just happened. I was in Oxford, singing English songs like I usually did, when some relatives asked me to sing some Bollywood songs so I sang Arijit Singh’s Tum Hi Ho. After a few months my girlfriend pushed me to do more Bollywood music and that’s how we started.”
His transition to Bollywood busking wasn’t without its challenges. Singing in Hindi and Punjabi on London’s streets, with its diverse audience, was daunting. “At first, I was worried. It’s not just Indians in the crowd. But slowly, people started coming in, enjoying the music, and that gave me confidence,” Vish says.
This courage propelled him to bigger stages and unforgettable collaborations. He fondly remembers running into actor and singer Maniesh Paul while performing on Oxford Street. “Maniesh joined me for a few songs, and suddenly, there was this massive crowd. It was surreal,” he says. Similar encounters with Badshah in Piccadilly Circus and Ash King taught him invaluable lessons about performing with established artists.
“They’ve shown me what it means to own a stage,” he says. “As someone who mostly busked before, it was a huge learning moment.”
Vish’s music isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about connection. His latest track, Hands On Me, blends Punjabi lyrics with Western R&B beats, a testament to his cultural duality. “I wanted to explore my Punjabi roots while giving it a Western twist,” he explains. Collaborating with artists like PENGWIN & K has opened new avenues for his sound. “They’re not Indian artists, which is great because they bring fresh ideas. Their remix turned my track into something that works in clubs, catering to fans of both R&B and dance music.”
Vish is driven by a larger mission: to make Bollywood music accessible to a global audience. “We’ve been on Black music charts and commercial pop charts. That’s nowhere near Indian music’s traditional space,” he says. “But the goal is balance—keeping our roots while reaching new listeners.”
His inspirations span continents, from the emotional resonance of Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh to the showmanship of Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. “Sonu’s ability to make you feel every word is something I strive for. And artists like Coldplay and Arijit Singh inspires me to effortlessly perform on stage while enjoying myself,” he says.
Cultural fusion isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement, and Vish is at its forefront. He sees a future where collaborations like Diljit Dosanjh and Sia’s or King and Nick Jonas’s pave the way for global acceptance of hybrid sounds. “I want to sell out stadiums where everyone—from Bollywood fans to Western listeners—feels connected. That’s the dream,” he says.
His fans, affectionately known as the “Vish Army,” have been a constant source of motivation. “Once, a fan travelled all the way from Nottingham to Southall at night just to see me perform. It’s moments like these that make all the struggles worth it,” he says.
Despite his success, Vish is grounded. “I want one of my songs to be in a movie or become a café favourite. That’s when I’ll feel I’ve truly made it,” he shares. Future plans include exploring playback singing and unexpected collaborations. “Sometimes, opportunities just present themselves. Like performing at Wembley Arena—it’s a dream for many, and I got to do it twice.”
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From facing scepticism as a Bollywood busker to dealing with unruly street crowds, Vish has had his share of tough moments. “Once, someone snatched my mic after a performance with Badshah. I caught him, and we ended up in a fight. But the music always brings me back. It’s the one thing that doesn’t need permission to enter your soul,” he reflects.
For young artists aiming to break into international markets, his advice is simple: “Believe in your voice and keep putting yourself out there. It takes time, but something will click eventually.”
As Vish continues to break boundaries with his music, one thing is clear: he’s not just bridging cultures; he’s creating a symphony that resonates across them all.
