"This is an unprecedented feat and we are very proud."
Indian musician Badshah has broken YouTube’s record for most views in a 24-hour period. Sony Music India revealed the record-breaking announcement.
His new track ‘Paagal’ was released and it instantly became a viral sensation.
It crossed 75 million views in 24 hours. The song has beaten the likes of Taylor Swift and popular Korean band BTS. Sony hailed the video for “dethroning BTS and Taylor Swift”.
BTS previously had the record with 74.6 million views with their song ‘Boy with Luv’ featuring Halsey.
Badshah said: “I am ecstatic and I am overwhelmed with the amount of love we have received in the last 24 hours.
“Paagal was made with the focused intent of taking music from India across borders and making our presence left.
“My fans just went all out to help me achieve my dream. We’re going big with this one.”
Sony Music India and Middle East president Shridhar Subramaniam said:
“This is an unprecedented feat and we are very proud. This will go down in history as Badshah becomes the first Indian artist to reach 75 million in 24 hours.”
According to Music Ally, the leading Indian artists have been racking up plenty of YouTube views.
Badshah explained on Instagram that Google Ad Words played an important part in helping him achieve such a feat.
However, some people criticised him and called his views “fake”. The music star responded:
“Is it even worth it? We worked hard for this, promoted it worldwide. And what some people call fake views are not fake views.
“They are Google Ad Words.
“Its a way of promoting your video, we bought ad words all around the world so that people could see the video all around the world.”
He added that the music video is an attempt to show people an alternative view of India to that portrayed in films like Slumdog Millionaire.
Badshah said: “We are on par with the world. And it’s our time to shine. And what do we get in return? My own people are ashamed?
“Because of the lyrical content? Do you even know what Daddy Yankee raps about in ‘Despacito’, world’s highest viewed song, that you don’t mind shaking your asses to in the clubs.”
Some of the criticism came from BTS fans, but Badshah responded to them, saying the ads are paid promotion:
“You think artists abroad don’t get paid promotions? Are you so naive?
“I don’t want to be the one with the highest views, but someone has to be. I tried and I did it. Get over it.”
Despite the criticisms, Badshah is the record holder and it may be a while before someone can beat it.