Savan Kotecha, the hitmaker behind global smashes for Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and One Direction, is turning his focus toward a bold new mission—building India’s first global pop boy band. Partnering with Universal Music India, Republic Records, and talent agency Represent, Kotecha is leading a nationwide search to discover a group that could redefine the country’s place in the global music scene.
India, with its massive Gen Z population and unmatched cultural diversity, has long looked outward for teen pop idols. Kotecha wants to change that. He believes the time is right for Indian youth to see themselves at the centre of pop culture—not on the side lines. “Boy bands have shaped generations around the world,” he says. “Now it’s India’s turn.”
The audition process is already underway. Open to young performers across the country, the search is aimed at teens who can sing, dance, and connect. Finalists will go through an intensive boot camp led by top-tier vocal coaches, choreographers, and stylists. The goal isn’t just to form a group, but to create a new kind of fandom—one rooted in Indian identity with global appeal.
Kotecha, who grew up in Texas with Indian roots and cut his teeth in Sweden under Max Martin, has helped define the sound of modern pop. With hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Can’t Feel My Face,” he knows how to build stars. Now he’s channelling that experience into building something India has never seen before.
More than just a band, this project is about laying the foundation for an Indian teen pop economy. A new generation of fans. A new wave of music. A new pop culture moment—born in India, built for the world.
Auditions are live. The movement is real. And the next great pop story might just start here.