The much-anticipated Smurfs movie is set to have a distinct Indian flavor, thanks to singer-songwriter Subhi, who has teamed up with international music icons DJ Khaled and Cardi B for the song Higher Love, featured on the film’s soundtrack.
Overwhelmed by this career milestone, Subhi shares, “I’m still trying to process it. When I first heard that DJ Khaled and Cardi B were part of this track, my reaction was, ‘Oh my God, it’s going to take me days to take this in!’ It feels surreal that the song is finally out for the world to hear.”
Making History with Punjabi Music in Hollywood
For Subhi, being part of the Smurfs franchise holds special significance. “Smurfs is a project that spreads happiness and positivity, so being associated with something that shares such a beautiful message is truly rewarding,” she expresses. More than that, this collaboration is a historic achievement. “I’m the first South Asian artist to introduce a Punjabi song and sing in the Punjabi language in a Hollywood animated film. That, in itself, is groundbreaking. It adds credibility to my work, and the fact that I get to do this alongside such big names is like the cherry on top. It feels like years of hard work are finally paying off,” she says.
Staying Rooted While Taking Punjabi Global
Subhi takes immense pride in representing Punjabi culture on an international platform. “I’m 100% Punjabi. My father is from Delhi, and my mother is from Amritsar, so this feels like coming home—it’s a full-circle moment for me. It’s an incredibly proud feeling for me and my family to stay true to our roots while reaching a global audience. I’m grateful that I get to express my authentic self through my music,” she shares.
Looking Ahead: Dream Collaborations
With this major milestone achieved, Subhi is eager to explore new opportunities. “I would love to collaborate with legendary Indian artists like AR Rahman and Gulzar. I truly hope it happens soon. While my musical style will always have an earthy, South Asian essence, I’m open to working with different artists while staying true to my identity,” she concludes.
