Shivam Malhotra Becomes First Indian Honoured in Billboard Canada’s 40 Under 40 List
Shivam Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Malsons Media, has just created history. Billboard Canada unveiled its first-ever 40 Under 40 list this year, spotlighting young innovators shaping the future of the global music industry and Malhotra is the first and only Indian to be featured in this landmark inaugural edition.
This recognition places him alongside global heavyweights who work with superstars like Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, and executives running major labels and creative companies across Canada and the U.S. In a list filled with power players from the world’s most influential music ecosystems, Malhotra stands out as the only Indian and the only South Asian voice shaping Canada’s next wave of music and culture.
Billboard describes him as a central force in taking Punjabi music from Canada to the world. And anyone watching the rise of Punjabi hip-hop globally knows that’s not an exaggeration. Through Malsons Media, Malhotra has built a multi-vertical entertainment incubator working across artist management, original content, marketing, and strategic investment. His philosophy is simple: enable creators to scale globally without giving up ownership.
At 33, Shivam Malhotra has already played a defining role in the explosive rise of Shubh one of Canada’s most influential Punjabi hip-hop artists today. Shubh has crossed over six billion career streams, earned more than 40 billion in digital footprint, and sold out arenas across North America and the Middle East. Under Malhotra’s strategic guidance, Shubh has earned major honours including SOCAN Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year (2025) and the Jim Beam Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at Canadian Music Week (2023).
But Malsons Media isn’t built around one star. The company has released more than 250 songs, collaborated with over 70 artists, and consistently delivered hits that land on global charts, Billboard charts, and top streaming playlists. Their collaborations span from major names like Jubin Nautiyal and Harshdeep Kaur to rising talents like Gravity, Awee, JXGGI, and Frappe Ash. The catalogue includes multiple number-one songs in India, as well as top-10 placements across worldwide streaming regions.
Malhotra’s career arc reflects his belief that the future of Indian and South Asian music lies in global pipelines, not old industry models. “The future isn’t coming it’s what we’re building right now,” he says. For him, Punjabi hip-hop isn’t a niche or a “world music category.” It’s global pop powered by authenticity and community. He strongly champions creator-first models, artist ownership, and multicultural storytelling as the future of global entertainment.
Billboard highlights Malhotra not just for his strategic achievements, but for his ability to spot cultural power early and amplify it through infrastructure. His work is helping shape Canada’s evolving identity through music, film, and youth culture. “Spotlighting greatness has always been the goal and Canada has no shortage of it,” he adds.
This latest achievement joins a growing list of honours: Billboard’s Global Music Managers Watchlist (Canada), Economic Times’ “Most Influential Personalities,” Business Connect’s “Startup of the Year,” and Brands Impact’s “Best Entertainment & Tech Startup.”
A USC graduate with past experience at Snap, Parkes+MacDonald Productions, and Universal Films, Malhotra also supports social initiatives for senior citizens and stray animals.
With Malsons Media now operating across management, content, and strategic investment, it’s clear that Shivam Malhotra isn’t just shaping careers he’s building an ecosystem. And this Billboard recognition marks only the beginning of his global impact.
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