Singer Shibani Kashyap said she plans to release a new recorded version of the folk song “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar” following a viral performance [1].
The surge in popularity highlights the influence of high-profile political endorsements on digital media trends and the global reach of South Asian folk music.
Kashyap performed the song in Auckland, New Zealand, where the video of the event gained significant traction online [1]. The performance saw a renewed spike in views and chart activity after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he praised the recording [2].
During the event in Auckland, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Kashyap on stage [1]. This cross-cultural moment occurred as the song transitioned from a local performance to a global digital trend.
Kashyap said the praise from the Indian leader acted as a catalyst for the video to return to the charts [2]. She is now utilizing this momentum to prepare a professional studio version of the track to satisfy the increased demand from listeners [1].
The song, a traditional Sufi composition, has become a focal point for cultural exchange between India and New Zealand. The intersection of diplomatic presence and musical performance contributed to the video's visibility across multiple online platforms [1], [2].
“Shibani Kashyap said she plans to release a new recorded version of the folk song “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar””
The incident demonstrates the 'multiplier effect' of political endorsement in the digital age, where a single mention by a world leader can instantly pivot a regional performance into a global commercial opportunity. By planning a formal recording, Kashyap is converting temporary viral momentum into a permanent artistic asset.



