Singer Subhi drops folk-pop track 'Ishq Chalawa.' Listen now

After rising to fame with “Higher Love” on the “Smurfs” soundtrack, international singer-songwriter Subhi has released her latest single, “Ishq Chalawa”, with Desi Trill. This folk-pop track offers a reflection on the emotional toll of falling in love. Filmed in the enchanting blue city of Jodhpur, “Ishq Chalawa” is far from a traditional love song, delving into the emotional depths of losing oneself in love — a message conveyed through poetic lyrics and Subhi’s signature earthy vocals.“Ishq Chalawa” is the second single after “Tehtul E Ishq”, and it is part of Desi Trill's upcoming EP, “Brown is Everywhere Volume 2”, which aims to blend diverse musical influences and amplify South Asian voices in the global music scene.

Subhi explains, "The track is not your typical love song. It’s a reflection on why you shouldn't fall in love. The concept is simple. When you fall in love, you risk losing yourself. (Ishq mein padh ke khud hi Ishq ban jaoge! Love consumes you, and with it, your sense of self.” “Shooting the music video in Jodhpur was unforgettable. It was my first time in the city, filming in those iconic blue streets. From the chaos of Ghanta Ghar to the charm of the Stepwell Square, these locations really brought the soul of the song to life. I feel the visuals of the city lent themselves beautifully to the music of the track. I can’t wait for people to experience both the song and the video. From the Blue City to the Blue Village. It feels like everything is coming full circle.”


Subhi’s journey is as captivating as her music. Born in New Delhi, she pursued a career in finance on Wall Street before trading numbers for notes. She found her artistic voice in Chicago’s indie music circuit. Now, based in Los Angeles, Subhi is shaping a cross-cultural sound that blends South Asian roots with Western influences. Her previous hits include evocative tracks like Gulzar and Khel, each exploring themes of identity, longing, and transformation. With Ishq Chalawa, Subhi continues to bridge cultures and genres, and make music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. And there is more! Subhi is also making waves in Hollywood. In addition to singing, she co-wrote several songs for the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack, which features original music by Rihanna. Directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Matt Landon, the animated film hits theatres worldwide on July 18, 2025, with an early premiere in Los Angeles.

Connecting Ishq Chalawa to Smurfs, she adds, “As a songwriter and artist, Ishq Chalawa is deeply personal. It's a folk-pop track about how love can consume you and make you lose yourself. We shot the music video in Jodhpur, India. It was my first time there and the iconic blue streets of Jodhpur brought the emotion of the song to life. At the same time, I have been writing for the Smurfs universe. A completely different creative world, but one that also lives in shades of blue. From Jodhpur’s winding blue alleys to Smurf Village’s enchanted blue forests, from India to Los Angeles, I am eager to tell stories that are so different in tone, yet equally rich in emotion and imagination. These diverse projects have pushed me creatively and helped me grow, both as an artist and a songwriter. And now, with the Smurfs movie premiering in LA on July 13th and Ishq Chalawa releasing globally on July 16th, it feels like everything’s aligning at once.”


To catch the latest updates in the music world, head to Gaana.com now!