In an unprecedented digital achievement, a devotional video of Shree Hanuman Chalisa by T-Series has become the first and only Indian video to cross the monumental threshold of 5 billion views on YouTube. This spiritual recording, featuring the late music magnate Gulshan Kumar, has now entered the elite list of the platform's top 10 most-viewed videos globally.
A Digital Spiritual Phenomenon
Originally released on May 10, 2011 on T-Series' Bhakti channel, the video has achieved what no other Indian content has managed in the 14 years since its upload. At the time of reporting, the view counter stood at an astonishing 5,010,063,031 views, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone that transcends generations.
The video showcases the legendary Gulshan Kumar and features the soulful vocals of renowned singer Hariharan, with timeless composition by Lalit Sen. What began as another devotional offering has transformed into a digital monument to faith, consistently drawing viewers year after year.
The Vision Behind the Milestone
Reflecting on this extraordinary achievement, Bhushan Kumar, Managing Director of T-Series, shared heartfelt sentiments about his father's legacy. "Hanuman Chalisa holds a special place in the hearts of millions, including mine," he stated. "My father, Shri Gulshan Kumar ji, devoted his life to taking spiritual music to every household, and this milestone is a reflection of his vision."
Bhushan Kumar emphasized that crossing 5 billion views and securing a position among YouTube's top 10 most-viewed videos represents more than just digital success. "It reflects the unwavering devotion people have in this country," he noted, highlighting how the video's performance demonstrates the enduring power of faith in the digital age.
Global and Indian YouTube Landscape
The global YouTube rankings above Shree Hanuman Chalisa are dominated by international content including:
- Baby Shark Dance – 16.38 billion views
- Despacito – 8.85 billion views
- Wheels on the Bus – 8.16 billion views
- Bath Song – 7.28 billion views
- Johny Johny Yes Papa – 7.12 billion views
Within the Indian context, the video stands in a league of its own. The closest Indian competitors trail significantly behind with less than 2 billion views each. These include popular tracks such as:
- Punjabi song Lehenga – 1.8 billion views
- Haryanvi song 52 Gaj Ka Daman – 1.7 billion views
- Rowdy Baby – 1.7 billion views
- Other notable songs like Zaroori Tha, Vaaste, Laung Laachi, Lut Gaye, Dilbar and Bum Bum Bole
This remarkable achievement serves as a powerful testament to how digital platforms have amplified the reach of spiritual content, creating new spaces for devotion in the modern era. The video's enduring popularity across more than a decade demonstrates how technology and tradition can coalesce to create something truly extraordinary.
