When Worlds Collide: How Armin van Buuren, Craig David & Anurag Saikia Created the Global Hit ‘Ishq Hai’ of 2025!
In the ever-evolving landscape of global music, few collaborations manage to surprise and captivate audiences across continents like the recent partnership between Dutch trance maestro Armin van Buuren, British R&B legend Craig David, and Indian composer Anurag Saikia. Their single Ishq Hai has emerged as the defining soundtrack of 2025, a brilliant fusion of electronic dance music, soulful vocals, and Indian classical melodies that is taking the world by storm.
This unexpected musical marriage—spanning genres, cultures, and continents—is more than just a hit song. It represents a fresh paradigm in how music can transcend borders, blending distinct artistic identities into a cohesive global phenomenon.
The Unlikely Union: How Three Different Worlds Came Together
Armin van Buuren has been a towering figure in electronic music for decades, renowned for his trance anthems that ignite dance floors worldwide. Meanwhile, Craig David’s silky voice helped shape the UK garage and R&B scene since the early 2000s, making him a household name across multiple generations. Add to the mix Anurag Saikia, whose work in Indian classical and film music has earned him accolades for blending tradition with contemporary sounds, and you have a collaboration that seems almost too good to be true.
The collaboration began through mutual admiration. Both Armin van Buuren and Craig David had expressed interest in incorporating Indian musical elements into their work, intrigued by the intricate rhythms and melodies that characterize the subcontinent’s rich heritage. When Anurag Saikia joined the project, his expertise provided the authentic Indian classical layer that gave Ishq Hai its signature sound.
This meeting of minds and styles happened remotely, with production taking place in Amsterdam, vocals recorded in London, and orchestration directed from Guwahati, India. The geographical distance only highlighted the seamlessness of modern music production, where creativity knows no borders.
Decoding Ishq Hai: A Sonic Journey Across Continents
The track Ishq Hai translates to “This is Love,” a universal theme that forms the emotional core of the song. From the first note, listeners are drawn into a sonic landscape where Eastern melodies intertwine effortlessly with Western beats.
The song opens with a delicate sitar-like motif, a nod to Indian classical music traditions, crafted by Anurag Saikia to set an evocative, almost hypnotic mood. Soon after, Armin van Buuren’s trademark trance beats emerge—energetic yet melodic, designed to uplift and inspire listeners to the dance floor.
Then enters Craig David with his unmistakable voice, smooth and emotive, delivering lyrics that narrate a heartfelt story of love, loss, and connection. His British accent provides a subtle contrast to the Indian musical textures, highlighting the global nature of the track.
The production balances high energy with emotional depth, creating a song that works as both a club anthem and a soulful ballad. This duality is key to the track’s appeal—it resonates with a wide audience, from EDM fans and R&B lovers to world music enthusiasts.
The Cultural Significance of Ishq Hai
Beyond its musical brilliance, Ishq Hai serves as a cultural bridge between East and West. It exemplifies how music can respect and celebrate different traditions without diluting their essence.
Anurag Saikia’s contribution is particularly noteworthy. In an era where Indian music is often oversimplified in Western pop, his authentic compositions infuse the song with genuine classical motifs and rhythms. This authenticity has won praise from Indian audiences and global listeners alike, who appreciate the track’s cultural integrity.
For Armin van Buuren and Craig David, Ishq Hai marks a conscious effort to broaden their artistic horizons. The track demonstrates their willingness to embrace new influences and connect with a more diverse global audience.
Breaking Records and Dominating Global Charts
Since its release in early 2025, Ishq Hai has achieved phenomenal success on multiple platforms. It quickly soared to the top of Spotify’s global viral charts and has maintained a steady presence on Apple Music and YouTube’s trending lists.
Critics have lauded the song for its intricate production and emotional resonance. Major music magazines have praised the track as “a masterclass in cultural fusion” and “a refreshing take on global collaboration.”
Social media has amplified the song’s reach, with millions of users sharing dance videos, reaction clips, and cover versions. The official music video further complements the song’s message, featuring vivid imagery that blends Indian cultural symbolism with vibrant urban nightlife scenes.
Behind the Scenes: Insights from the Artists
In interviews, Armin van Buuren described the collaboration as “a beautiful marriage of musical worlds.” He highlighted how working with Craig David and Anurag Saikia pushed him to explore new creative territories beyond his trance roots.
Craig David expressed enthusiasm about blending his R&B sensibilities with Indian classical music. He mentioned that the experience expanded his musical vocabulary and deepened his appreciation for diverse cultures.
Anurag Saikia, who is relatively new to international audiences, spoke about the challenges and joys of fusing Indian classical elements with EDM and R&B. He emphasized that the key was to maintain the integrity of Indian traditions while adapting them to a contemporary global sound.
Why Ishq Hai Resonates in Today’s Musical Landscape
The success of Ishq Hai comes at a time when listeners are increasingly seeking authenticity and diversity in music. Globalization and streaming platforms have made audiences more open to cross-cultural sounds and collaborations.
The song taps into this trend perfectly, combining familiar beats with exotic instrumentation and storytelling. Its theme of love is universally relatable, while the fusion of styles makes it fresh and exciting.
Moreover, the track’s production quality and star power ensure it appeals to both casual listeners and serious music fans, creating a broad and lasting impact.
What’s Next for This Groundbreaking Trio?
With Ishq Hai already a global sensation, anticipation is high for what Armin van Buuren, Craig David, and Anurag Saikia might do next. Fans and industry watchers speculate about possible live performances, remixes, and further collaborations.
Given the track’s success, it’s likely this partnership will inspire more artists to experiment with blending genres and cultures, helping to shape the future of global music.
Conclusion: Ishq Hai as a Blueprint for Future Music Collaborations
In 2025, Ishq Hai stands out not just as a chart-topping hit but as a cultural milestone. It proves that when artists from different worlds come together with respect, creativity, and passion, the result can be truly magical.
The collaboration between Armin van Buuren, Craig David, and Anurag Saikia showcases the power of music to break down barriers and unite listeners worldwide. It’s a reminder that the best music often emerges when we embrace diversity and innovation.
As Ishq Hai continues to dominate airwaves and playlists, it sets a high bar for future cross-cultural projects and cements its place as the global explosion of 2025.
