Raju Kalakar singing “Dil Pe Chalaai Churiyaan” with broken stones on Surat’s roadside – a moment that made him a viral sensation.
In a country known for its rich musical heritage and star-studded entertainment industry, Raju Kalakar emerged as an unlikely hero. A simple man from Surat, Gujarat, originally hailing from Nagaur, Rajasthan, Raju captured the nation’s attention not with a grand music video or autotuned single, but through a raw, emotional performance using two broken stones. His impromptu rendition of the 1990s classic “Dil Pe Chalaai Churiyaan” has struck a deep chord with millions, making him an overnight internet sensation.
The video, which shows Raju sitting on a pavement and rhythmically tapping stones while singing his heart out, quickly went viral on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where it garnered over 146 million views. Dressed in humble clothes with nothing but his voice and emotions, Raju gave life to a song many had forgotten. Within days, netizens from all walks of life were resharing the video, praising the genuine pain and passion in his voice. What makes this more touching is that the video wasn’t planned or staged—it was recorded by a friend during a moment of personal heartbreak.
Raju Kalakar, whose real name is Raju Bhatt, had spent years working as a puppeteer and dhol player, performing at local events to make ends meet. Life wasn’t easy. Often struggling financially, Raju still carried a dream in his heart—to be heard. But he never imagined that a casual performance on the street would bring him into the national spotlight. His talent, however, needed only one opportunity, and the internet provided that stage.
Raju Kalakar’s Journey from Street Artist to Viral Star
Soon after the video went viral, Raju’s Instagram following shot up to over 190,000. His inbox flooded with appreciation messages, offers to perform, and even collaboration requests from major artists. The most significant of all came from the legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam. Deeply moved by Raju’s performance, Sonu Nigam reached out and collaborated with him on a recreated version of the same song. Released through T-Series, the duet between the seasoned icon and the street singer is now being hailed as one of the most iconic musical moments of 2025.
Speaking to local media, Raju expressed his disbelief. “I never thought my voice would reach so many people. I was just singing what I felt. Those stones were the only instrument I had,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. He credited his roots in folk music, his experiences on the street, and most of all, the support of the public for his newfound recognition.
Check out his viral videos- Click Here
Raju Kalakar’s Emotional Singing Style and Broken Stone Beat
This rags-to-fame story isn’t just a tale of one man’s rise—it represents the changing face of India’s entertainment landscape. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are democratizing fame, allowing people from the most unexpected corners of the country to shine. Raju Kalakar didn’t have studio backing, PR agents, or fancy equipment. What he had was raw talent, emotion, and authenticity—qualities that can’t be faked and are now being celebrated in a world tired of overly polished content.
You can also check out –
DC vs MCU: Who Truly Rules the Superhero Universe?
In response to his viral fame, Raju is now being invited to reality shows, offered music contracts, and even approached for live performances across cities. Yet, despite the newfound attention, he remains grounded. “Fame is not permanent, but music is,” he said in a recent interview.
You can checkout his official Instagram account – Click Here
What Raju’s story highlights is not just a viral moment, but a cultural shift. Audiences are now craving honesty over glamour, and emotion over perfection. Raju Kalakar, in his simplicity, gave them exactly that. His rise is a reminder that in the age of algorithms and influencers, a real voice can still move millions.
As Raju continues to inspire artists and fans across the country, one thing is clear—India’s next musical star didn’t come from a studio or talent hunt show. He came from the street, holding broken stones, and singing with a broken heart.
About the Author
Discover more from KhabriDose
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
