The kind of success that Armaan Malik has achieved at such a young age is truly unmatched.
"Music is my whole freaking life. It's not something I do just for a living, it makes me feel like I'm living." - Armaan Malik.
Some are born into music, some grow into it, but Armaan did both. From singing at the tender age of four to captivating millions today, his voice has become a feeling more than just a sound. And while you may know his hits and his charm, there’s something you might’ve missed. Armaan Malik holds the rare honor of being the first Indian singer to feature on the Times Square Billboard in New York. Yes, you read that right. Today, on his 30th birthday, we take a moment to celebrate that milestone.
Back in 2020, at just 25, Armaan Malik became the first Indian singer-songwriter to feature on the iconic Times Square Billboard, and that too for his debut English single "Control". For a boy who once sang on reality shows and lent his voice to Bollywood as a child, it was indeed a moment of global arrival. And for Indian music, it was a proud leap across continents.
(Credit: armaanmalik)
“Dreams. Visions. All coming true, and how!” Armaan wrote on social media, sharing the viral photo of his Times Square moment. The face that had serenaded millions back home was now lighting up one of the busiest crossroads on Earth. “I’d have given anything to be there and witness this in person,” he added, saying, “but it’s extremely important for us to stay safe and indoors right now.” The world was in the middle of a pandemic, but Armaan’s music had already crossed borders and connected hearts worldwide.
What makes this feat even more special is that "Control" was Armaan’s first-ever English-language single. Released in March 2020, the track is a sleek, electro-pop number with global appeal, produced by Grammy-nominated British producer Wayne Wilkins, who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé and Natasha Bedingfield.
But "Control" was more than just a catchy tune. It was deeply personal. “It’s about being stuck in a toxic relationship where you don’t have control over your emotions,” Armaan had shared about the song. He wanted to bring Indian storytelling to a global pop sound, and with Control, he managed to do exactly that. The song not only earned critical acclaim but also bagged the Best Indian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2020.
(Credit: Armaan Malik)
In interviews following his Times Square debut, Armaan called the moment “a huge honor", saying, “I’ve always wanted to take India to the world with my music, and this is like a dream come true, especially for my first English single.”
“This wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing team, family, and fans,” he added. “Their endless love and support keep me going.”
(Credit: Armaan Malik)
What sets Armaan apart isn’t just his voice; it’s his vision. While many Indian singers find comfort in playback singing, Armaan has always aimed higher. He dreams of being an international pop icon, and he is willing to put in the work.
“The driving force for me to keep going,” he once said, “is the hunger I have for bigger dreams immediately after I achieve something huge.” It’s a mindset that explains why he doesn’t rest on his laurels. “I don’t get too happy with any accomplishment,” he confessed, adding, “That’s a good way to keep the fire burning.”
He believes in the power of patience and the universe. “Every time I ask myself, ‘Now what?’ the universe asks me to wait and be patient. It’s all going to happen.”.
Armaan has released multiple English singles since “Control”, collaborated with international artists, and continues to balance global music with Indian roots. And through it all, he remains a voice that stirs souls.
