Vivek.Dantkale at 13:36, 30 April 2026

2026-04-30T13:36:59Z

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{{Short description|Indian singer and songwriter}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sanju Rathod
| image = Sanju Rathod.jpg
| image_size = 190px
| caption = Rathod in 2024
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|11|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = Dhanwad, [[Jalgaon district]], Maharashtra, India
| occupation = {{Hlist|Singer|songwriter|composer|lyricist}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| origin = [[Maharashtra]], India
| genre = {{hlist|Marathi–pop, Banjara Folk<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marathi Pop Goes Global With This Singer Who Came From 'Village With Barely 50 Houses, No Internet' |url=https://www.news18.com/viral/who-is-sanju-rathod-shaky-gulabi-sadi-marathi-pop-songs-maharashtra-no-internet-9434782.html |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-11 |title=Sanju Rathod's 'Shaky' sparks Marathi pop revolution, breaks records across platforms |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/sanju-rathods-shaky-sparks-marathi-pop-revolution-breaks-records-across-platforms-987170 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref>|[[Contemporary pop]]|[[Afrobeats]]|[[Indie pop]]<ref name=":0" />}}
| years_active = 2017–present
|label =Independent
}}
}}
'''Sanju Rathod''' ({{IPA|mr|səɲd͡ʒuː raːʈʰoːɖ}}; born 24 November 1998)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mimtaz |date=2024-06-16 |title=Gulabi Sadi Viral Song: Who Is Sanju Rathod? Meet The Man Behind This Viral Track; Check Bio, Instagram & More |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/viral/2024/gulabi-sadi-viral-song-who-is-sanju-rathod-meet-the-viral-singer-check-biography-instagram-and-more-401977.html |access-date=2025-11-23 |website=filmibeat |language=en}}</ref>, is an Indian singer, songwriter, composer, and lyricist primarily known for his work in the Marathi music industry. He gained widespread recognition with his viral 2024 hit "[[Gulabi Sadi]]," followed by popular tracks like "[[Shaky (song)|Shaky]]", "Kali Bindi" and "Sundari". Rathod’s music fuses traditional Marathi folk with [[contemporary pop]], [[Afrobeats]], and [[Indie pop|indie sounds]], attracting a massive following among younger audiences.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Tagat |first=Anurag |date=2025-05-15 |title=Sanju Rathod on How He Put Marathi, Rajasthani Folk, Hip-Hop and Afro Together for 'Shaky' |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/sanju-rathod-interview-shaky-song/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Rolling Stone India |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Early life==

Sanju Rathod was born on 24 November 1998 in Dhanwad village, [[Jalgaon district]], Maharashtra, into a [[Banjara]] family. His father is a farmer and his mother is a homemaker. He initially studied mechanical engineering before developing an interest in music during his college years. Inspired by artists such as [[Honey Singh]], he began writing and performing rap songs, with his passion for music partly influenced by personal experiences. In 2017, Rathod left college and moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in music, overcoming financial difficulties, family opposition, and criticism during his early journey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulaabi Sadi's Singer Sanju Rathod Fell In Love With Music After A Heartbreak In College |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/vibing-to-shaky-shaky-meet-sanju-rathod-the-voice-behind-viral-marathi-song |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gulabi sadi singer Sanju Rathod on taking Marathi pop global|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/gulabi-sadi-singer-sanju-rathod-on-taking-marathi-pop-global-23546605|website=Mid-day|date=2025-05-19|access-date=2026-01-31|language=en}}</ref>

==Career==

Rathod started his music career with independent releases, beginning with devotional tracks dedicated to [[Ganpati Bappa]], which garnered 10–15 million views on YouTube each year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-11 |title=Sanju Rathod Recalls Getting Abused, Tortured After Taking Loan For Songs: People Thought I Made Money But... {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/sanju-rathod-recalls-getting-abused-tortured-after-taking-loan-for-songs-people-thought-i-made-money-but-exclusive-article-152762434 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> His other songs "Chamiya", "Style Martay", "Jhumka" also went popular. His breakthrough came with "[[Nauvari Pahije]]" in May 2023, a vibrant single picturised with Prajakta Ghag that surpassed 200 million YouTube views and won the "Favorite Song (Non-film)" award at the [[14th MFK Awards|14th Maharashtracha Favourite Kon?]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhirvandekar |first=Harshada |title=Nauvari Song: 'नऊवारी साडी' ठरतेय युट्युबवर सुपरहिट! संजू राठोडच्या व्हायरल गाण्याला २० मिलियन व्हूज |url=https://marathi.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sanju-rathod-s-nauvari-song-trending-on-social-media-cross-20-million-views-on-youtube-141687927840386.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Hindustan Times Marathi |language=mr}}</ref><ref name="loksatta.com">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-19 |title='महाराष्ट्राचा फेवरेट कोण?' मध्ये कोणी मारली बाजी? कोणाला मिळाले सर्वाधिक पुरस्कार? वाचा |url=https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/marathi-cinema/maharashtracha-favourite-kon-2023-winners-list-riteish-deshmukh-and-genelia-deshmukh-is-favourite-actor-and-actress-pps-98-4216451/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Loksatta |language=mr}}</ref>

In 2024, Rathod achieved nationwide fame with "[[Gulabi Sadi]]" (transl. Pink Saree), released on 6 February as a sequel to "[[Nauvari Pahije]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borade |first=Aarti Vilas |title=ट्रेंडमध्ये असलेले 'गुलाबी साडी' हे गाणे कोणी गायले आणि कसे सुचले माहिती आहे का? जाणून घ्या |url=https://marathi.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/who-is-the-singer-of-gulabi-sadi-song-know-here-141714017378078.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Hindustan Times Marathi |language=mr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-28 |title='गुलाबी साडी' गाणं का लिहिलं? संजू राठोडने सांगितलं खास कनेक्शन! फक्त एका तासात रचली चाल |url=https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/gulabi-sadi-fame-sanju-rathod-reveal-concept-behind-the-viral-song-sva-00-4503255/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Loksatta |language=mr}}</ref> The song's catchy melody, vibrant lyrics, and music video—directed by Rathod and featuring Prajakta Ghag—went viral, inspiring over 5 million Instagram reels.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=Viral song Gulabi Sadi's singer Sanju Rathod: Mumbai Indians, Madhuri Dixit- both my favorites made reels on the song |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/viral-song-gulabi-sadi-s-singer-sanju-rathod-mumbai-indians-madhuri-dixit-both-my-favorites-made-reels-on-the-song-101712287024786.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Celebrities like [[Madhuri Dixit]], [[Remo D'Souza]] joined the trend.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=Madhuri Dixit, Remo D'Souza Vibe On The Global Trend Of 'Gulabi Sadi' |url=https://lehren.com/madhuri-dixit-remo-dsouza-vibe-on-the-global-trend-of-gulabi-sadi/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Lehren |language=en-US}}</ref> The track marked the first Marathi song to be displayed on New York's [[Times Square]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=शिकलगार |first=स्वालिया न |date=2024-04-29 |title=Trending Gulabi Sadi Song : संजू राठोडच्या फॅन्ससाठी आनंदाची बातमी{{!}} 'गुलाबी साडी' गाणं झळकलं 'न्यूयॉर्क टाईम्स स्क्वेअर'वर |url=https://pudhari.news/sanju-rathod-trending-gulabi-sadi-song-screening-on-new-york-times-square |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Pudhari News |language=mr}}</ref> and received praise from international artists in [[Pakistan]], [[Bangladesh]], and Indian rappers like [[Divine (rapper)|Divine]] and [[Badshah (rapper)|Badshah]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-30 |title=Never expected Gulabi Sadi to go viral: Sanju Rathod |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/music/never-expected-gulabi-sadi-to-go-viral-sanju-rathod/articleshow/111380856.cms |access-date=2025-09-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Rathod appeared on "Superstar Singer 3" with [[Neha Kakkar]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neha Kakkar radiates happiness on meeting 'Gulabi Sadi' singer Sanju Rathod on 'Superstar Singer 3' |url=https://mirchi.in/stories/music/neha-kakkar-radiates-happiness-on-meeting-gulabi-sadi-singer-sanju-rathod-on-superstar-singer-3/109882011 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=mirchi.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-27 |title=Superstar Singer 3: Viral song Gulabi Sadi fame singer Sanju Rathod sprinkles his musical magic on stage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/superstar-singer-3-viral-song-gulabi-sadi-fame-singer-sanju-rathod-sprinkles-his-musical-magic-on-stage/articleshow/109593924.cms |access-date=2025-09-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

In October 2024, Rathod made history as the first Marathi singer to open for [[Alan Walker]]'s Sunburn Arena concert, representing regional music on an international stage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Narayan |first=Kimaya |date=2024-11-11 |title='गुलाबी साडी' फेम संजू राठोडने रचला इतिहास ; अ‍ॅलन वॉकरच्या कॉन्सर्टमध्ये परफॉर्म करण्याचा मिळाला बहुमान |url=https://www.esakal.com/premier/gulabi-saree-fame-sanju-rathod-is-going-to-do-opening-performance-at-alan-walkers-concert-in-sunburn-arena-festival-happening-in-goa-entertainmengt-news-kds07 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Sakal |language=Mr}}</ref> Rathod's 2025 release "[[Shaky (song)|Shaky]]", featuring [[Bigg Boss]] fame Isha Malviya, debuted on 22 April and quickly topped YouTube's Top 100 Music Videos Global chart.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-15 |title=From 'Gulabi Sadi' to 'Shaky': How Heartbreak Turned Sanju Rathod into Marathi Pop's Global Star |url=https://www.mypunepulse.com/from-gulabi-sadi-to-shaky-how-heartbreak-turned-sanju-rathod-into-marathi-pops-global-star/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Pune Pulse |language=en}}</ref> Blending Marathi folk with [[Afrobeats]], it garnered over 100 million views and 3.4 million Instagram reels. Rathod revealed plans for its potential inclusion in a Bollywood film, highlighting his growing crossover appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-30 |title=Gulabi Sadi singer Sanju Rathod on Shaky going viral now: It might feature in a Bollywood film soon |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/gulabi-sadi-singer-sanju-rathod-on-shaky-going-viral-now-it-might-feature-in-a-bollywood-film-soon-101751231424298.html |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

Rathod’s next single, "Sundari", featuring Yashika Jatav, was released on 11 September 2025 at YouTube fanfest 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanju Rathod drops another Marathi pop song Sundari featuring Yashika Jatav |url=https://mirchi.in/stories/music/sanju-rathod-drops-another-marathi-pop-song-sundari/152787256 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=mirchi.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Sharanyaa |date=2025-09-13 |title=Why Creators Could Be the Future of India's Pop Culture |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/are-indian-creators-shaping-the-next-pop-culture-wave/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Rolling Stone India |language=en-US}}</ref> It gained massive attention, garnering over 4.47 crore views on YouTube within its first month.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Sundari Song Lyrics: सुंदरी गाण्यातील 'टक टक देखरो'चा अर्थ माहिती आहे का ? संजू राठोडचं गाणं सुपरहिट झालं |url=https://marathi.ndtv.com/entertainment/sanju-rathod-sundari-song-lyrics-tak-tak-dekaro-viral-trend-meaning-marathi-entertainment-news-9444235 |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=NDTV Marathi |language=mr}}</ref> In April 2026, he released "Bangles" his second collaboration with Isha Malviya after their earlier work on "Shaky".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-18 |title=Isha Malviya back with ‘Shaky Shaky’ hitmaker Sanju Rathod for new song |url=https://www.siasat.com/isha-malviya-back-with-shaky-shaky-hitmaker-sanju-rathod-for-new-song-3455528/ |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=The Siasat Daily |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Shaky Shaky'नं धुमाकूळ घातला, आता 'Bangles'नं वेड लावलं; संजू राठोडचं नवं कोरं गाणं रिलीज |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/entertainment/singer-sanju-rathod-drops-new-song-bangles-trends-on-social-media-1420863 |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=ABP Majha |language=mr}}</ref>

==Discography==

===Notable singles===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Song Title
!Notable Details
!{{Reference column heading|multi=yes}}
|-
|2023
|"[[Nauvari Pahije]]"
|Over 20 million YouTube views; won ''[[Maharashtracha Favourite Kon?]]'' award
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-19 |title='महाराष्ट्राचा फेवरेट कोण?' मध्ये कोणी मारली बाजी? कोणाला मिळाले सर्वाधिक पुरस्कार? वाचा |url=https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan/marathi-cinema/maharashtracha-favourite-kon-2023-winners-list-riteish-deshmukh-and-genelia-deshmukh-is-favourite-actor-and-actress-pps-98-4216451/ |access-date=2025-11-04 |website=Loksatta |language=mr}}</ref>
|-
|2024
|"[[Gulabi Sadi]]"
|Viral Marathi hit; popular dance number
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |2025
|"[[Shaky (song)|Shaky]]"
|Featured [[Isha Malviya]]; topped global YouTube charts
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|"Sundari"
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|2026
|"Bangles"
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-19 |title='Shaky Shaky'नं धुमाकूळ घातला, आता 'Bangles'नं वेड लावलं; संजू राठोडचं नवं कोरं गाणं रिलीज |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/entertainment/singer-sanju-rathod-drops-new-song-bangles-trends-on-social-media-1420863 |access-date=2026-04-30 |website=ABP Majha |language=mr}}</ref>
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Nominated work
!Result
!{{Reference column heading|multi=yes}}
|-
|[[14th MFK Awards|2024]]
|[[Maharashtracha Favourite Kon?]]
|Favorite Non-film song
|"[[Nauvari Pahije]]"
|{{Won}}
|<ref name="loksatta.com"/>
|-
| rowspan="2" |2024
| rowspan="2" |Indian Independent Music Awards (IIMA)
|Best Marathi song
| rowspan="2" |"[[Gulabi Sadi]]"
|{{Won}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=The Indian Music Awards 2024: See The Full Winners List |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/indian-music-awards-winners-2024/amp/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Rolling Stone India |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Best Song – Independent
|{{Won}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|id=15362306}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rathod, Sanju}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Jalgaon district]]
[[Category:Marathi-language singers]]
[[Category:Afrobeats musicians]]
[[Category:Indian folk-pop singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male singers]]
[[Category:Banjara people]]
[[Category:1998 births]]

Sanju Rathod - Revision history

Vivek.Dantkale at 13:36, 30 April 2026