Sanju Rathod, the voice behind viral hits like Gulaabi Sadi and Shaky, has emerged as a powerful force in the world of Marathi pop music. Instagram is flowing with users making reels and dancing to this song. Let's get to know the boy behind the viral song. Blending folk traditions with global beats, Rathod’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, rooted in struggle, fueled by heartbreak, and shaped by dreams bigger than his village.
Born and raised in Dhanbad, a small village in Maharashtra with just around 50 houses, Sanju grew up in a Banjara family. His father is a farmer and his mother a homemaker. There was no exposure to professional music or even a proper internet connection in his village. Yet, music found him.
Initially a mechanical engineering student, Sanju’s love for music sparked from a personal heartbreak during college. Inspired by artists like Honey Singh, he began writing and performing rap songs in local settings. With no formal training and limited resources, he started dreaming of a future in music.
Leaving home, Finding purpose
In 2017, Sanju took the bold step of dropping out of college and moving to Mumbai to pursue music full-time. The road wasn’t easy, he faced financial difficulties, skepticism from his family, and harsh criticism from people who believed he had changed. But Rathod stayed committed, driven by the belief that he was meant to create something different.
The phenomenon of 'Gulaabi Sadi'
Sanju's breakout moment came in 2024 with Gulaabi Sadi, a Marathi indie-folk track that took the internet by storm. Written and composed by him and produced by G-Spark, the song garnered over 430 million views on YouTube. It found its way into Times Square, countless Instagram reels, and even legendary singer Asha Bhosale’s live performance.
The hook step was mimicked by celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, and even the Mumbai Indians cricket team joined the trend. Sanju was overwhelmed by the support, including praise from top Indian rappers and cross-border recognition.
In 2025, Sanju released Shaky, a genre-bending track that fused Marathi folk with Afrobeats, Banjara vocals, and hip-hop. Featuring actress Isha Malviya, the song gained rapid traction, amassing over 150 million views in just two months. Sanju described the song as his effort to create a global identity for Marathi music.
Staying grounded through it all
Despite the fame, Sanju remains connected to his roots. He continues to draw inspiration from his culture and family, and often credits them for keeping him grounded. Currently unmarried, he pours his personal emotions into his music, making it resonate with people from all walks of life.
