Marathi Pop Artist Sanju Rathod Channels Roots in New Song "Shaky"
Marathi pop artist Sanju Rathod has released his latest single, "Shaky," which showcases his deep connection to his Banjara roots and the people of Jalgaon. The song, produced by his brother and producer G-Spark, is a fusion of Afrobeats, rap, Marathi pop, and Rajasthani folk, featuring playful references to Billie Eilish.
"Shaky" is a hit, with over 13 million YouTube views and nearly 1.5 million Spotify streams. The track’s outro, featuring a hauntingly beautiful folk layer, was inspired by a Banjara folk song that G-Spark instinctively sang. The song’s success has garnered national and international attention, especially on social media.
Rathod, 26, explains that his folk inclinations and pop aspects are a product of growing up on YouTube, while his turn to hip-hop began with a college breakup. He says he started writing Hindi songs heavily inspired by Yo Yo Honey Singh’s hip-hop vibe.
Rathod’s music, backed by giants like Believe, has broken language barriers, allowing Marathi pop to reclaim space for the Banjara community. He believes Marathi pop is not just a genre label but a vision, a way to give back to his roots.
Despite the success of "Gulabi Sadi," Rathod is not trying to recreate it or chase fame. He acknowledges the song’s significance but is confident in the future, observing and absorbing the energy around him to fuel his next project.
