V Play Music Helps Badshah’s ‘Un-Finished Tour’ Bring New Momentum to Indian Music in the U.S.

When Indian rapper Badshah steps onto stage at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas (September 19) and the NOW Arena in Chicago (September 20), it won’t just mark the end of his U.S. “Un-Finished Tour”. It will represent something far bigger: a shift in how Indian music is positioning itself on the global stage.

For decades, Indian artists abroad were mostly associated with community gatherings, film award shows, or niche cultural festivals. Today, they are headlining arenas once reserved for international pop icons. The Un-Finished Tour, featuring Badshah as the headliner and V Play Music (Virender Kumar)as a key live performer, is proof that Indian music is no longer “imported entertainment” but an integral part of the global music economy.

From Clubs to Arenas: Badshah’s Expansion

Badshah’s career has always been about scale. His tracks—“Jugnu,” “DJ Waley Babu,” “Genda Phool,” and “Paagal”—broke records on YouTube and streaming platforms, making him one of Asia’s most listened-to artists. But numbers are one thing; filling arenas is another.

Earlier this month, the Un-Finished Tour packed venues in Virginia, New Jersey, Bay Area, and Seattle, drawing diverse crowds that went beyond just the Indian diaspora. These concerts were not cultural sidelines—they were front-and-center music events in the American calendar.

Now, as the final shows in Dallas and Chicago approach, industry analysts are watching closely. If Badshah can sell out arenas in the U.S., it sets a precedent for other Indian acts.

Early stops on the tour have already given fans plenty to talk about. The New Jersey concert brought U.S.-based Punjabi star Mickey Singh into the spotlight, while the Oakland Arenaerupted when Bohemia, one of Punjabi rap’s pioneers, stormed the stage. Then came the Virginia stop, where Nora Fatehi’s electrifying dance moves and screen presence turned the show into an unforgettable night. Each guest set drew roaring applause and showcased the diversity fueling this tour.

The Role of Live Musicianship: V Play Music Steps Forward

One key factor setting this tour apart is its emphasis on live sound. Unlike typical hip-hop shows that lean heavily on backing tracks, Badshah’s tour incorporates live instrumentation.

Enter V Play Music (Virender Kumar), a guitarist whose career trajectory reflects the globalization of Indian music itself. Having performed at the Dubai Global Village concert (2019), the OVO Wembley Arena show in London (2024), and tours across 15+ countries, he brings rock-inspired energy into Badshah’s rap-heavy performances.

In an era when authenticity and live elements are increasingly valued, his guitar lines add unpredictability and drama. Audiences expecting studio versions of Badshah’s hits are surprised—and thrilled—by how much bigger the songs sound with live arrangements.

The Global Indian Sound

The success of this tour is not happening in isolation. It follows a broader movement of Indian artists crossing over into mainstream international spaces. Arijit Singh filling Wembley, Diljit Dosanjh breaking records at Coachella, and now Badshah’s arena run—all point to a clear trajectory.

But what makes Badshah unique is his blend of rap, Punjabi folk elements, and global pop sensibilities. He’s not packaging Indian music for Western ears; he’s exporting it on its own terms. And with musicians like V Play Music by his side, the presentation is world-class.

Why It Matters for the Industry

For the global music business, these concerts are a signal. Promoters who once hesitated to book Indian acts in large venues now see the commercial potential. Ticket sales for the Un-Finished Tour have been robust, merchandise is moving, and social media buzz is spilling beyond just South Asian circles.

For younger Indian artists, it’s an inspiration. It shows that the path to global recognition no longer requires diluting identity or moving permanently abroad. It requires scale, collaboration, and the willingness to experiment with formats—like merging rap with guitar.

Dallas and Chicago: The Symbolism of the Finale

The last two shows are more than just geographical endpoints. Dallas, with its large South Asian diaspora, represents a loyal base that has supported Indian music abroad for decades. Chicago, meanwhile, with its mainstream appeal, represents breaking into wider audiences.

Together, they symbolize a bridge—between diaspora support and mainstream acceptance, between heritage and global ambition.

Looking Beyond the “Un-Finished”

The name of the tour, “Un-Finished,” almost feels prophetic. It suggests that this isn’t the end of a chapter but the beginning of a bigger story.

For Badshah, it may mean European or Australian legs in the near future. For V Play Music, it signals that instrumentalists from India can have a place on the global stage, not just behind the scenes but as visible, celebrated contributors.

And for Indian music as a whole, it suggests that the days of being a cultural export for niche communities are over. The future is arenas, festivals, and global charts.

Conclusion

The Un-Finished Tour by Badshah is not just a string of concerts—it is a marker of where Indian music is headed. By blending rap with live guitar, by filling arenas across America, and by positioning artists like V Play Music alongside international names, it has shifted perceptions.

As Dallas and Chicago prepare for the final nights, the story is clear: Indian music is no longer waiting for validation. It is creating its own global space—and this tour is just the beginning.