Kerala Rapper Hanumankind Conquers Spotify, Coachella, and Bollywood

Over the past year, Kerala-born rapper Sooraj Cherukat, better known by his stage name Hanumankind, has been making waves in the global music scene. Born in 1992 in Malappuram, Kerala, Sooraj's early life was marked by frequent moves across continents, from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and eventually settling in Houston, Texas, in second grade.

Houston's vibrant Southern hip-hop culture left a lasting impression on Sooraj, shaping the foundation of his musical identity. After pursuing a business degree in India, he realized his true passion lay in music, and in 2019, he made his professional debut with the single "Daily Dose."

Hanumankind's real breakthrough came in 2024 with the track "Big Dawgs," which catapulted him to international fame, amassing over 132 million Spotify streams and 83 million YouTube views. The music video, shot in Ponnani, Kerala, features Sooraj performing death-defying stunts inside the "maut ka kuan," a classic carnival attraction where motorcyclists race inside a giant cylindrical pit.

Now, in 2025, Hanumankind is adding another feather to his cap - a Bollywood debut. His first track for the film "Dhurandhar," titled "Na De Dil Pardesi Nu (Jogi)," fuses Punjabi folk with contemporary beats and features his signature rap alongside vocals from Jasmine Sandlas, Sudhir Yaduvanshi, and others.

Hanumankind's unique blend of hard-hitting hip-hop narratives, global influences, and Indian cultural elements has earned him a distinct identity in the music industry. As he continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide, the future looks bright for this rising star from Kerala.