Actor Shah Rukh Khan has announced an international music initiative called the UNIFYD Festival, which will feature prominent playback singers Arijit Singh and Sonu Nigam, along with Punjabi artist Karan Aujla as the main performers. The inaugural edition of this festival is scheduled to take place on March 20, 2027, in Abu Dhabi. The event aims to highlight South Asian musical talent to both global and Middle Eastern audiences.

The festival will be held at Etihad Live on Yas Island, UAE, and is curated by Khan himself. It is produced by D’YAVOL Live in partnership with the entertainment platform District. The event is designed to be a single-day celebration of music, showcasing a variety of genres and artists.

As part of the initial line-up, the festival will present three distinct musical styles: Arijit Singh’s contemporary romantic ballads, Sonu Nigam’s classic pop hits, and Karan Aujla’s Punjabi hip-hop tracks. The festival is expected to feature performances across multiple stages, with around 15 artists anticipated to be included in the final line-up, which will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Vision for the Festival

In a statement released by Rolling Stone, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his vision for the festival, emphasising the power of music to unite people. He remarked, “I’ve spent a lifetime telling stories on screen and watching them bring people together. Music has that same extraordinary power.” Khan aims to create a platform that brings together leading Indian musical artists on a grand scale.

The festival is organised in collaboration with Miral and Experience Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand the festival format to other international cities following its Abu Dhabi launch. This initiative reflects a growing interest in promoting South Asian music globally and aims to attract a diverse audience.

As the festival approaches, ticketing information has been released. Early access for Emirates NBD cardholders will commence on October 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM IST via the District app. General ticket sales will begin the following day, October 20, allowing a wider audience to participate in this musical celebration.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Recent and Upcoming Projects

Shah Rukh Khan’s last theatrical release was the film Dunki, which premiered in 2023. This film featured a notable cast, including actors Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki was co-produced by Jio Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Rajkumar Hirani Films, contributing to its significant impact in the film industry.

Looking ahead, Shah Rukh Khan is set to appear in the upcoming film King, directed by Siddharth Anand. This film is scheduled for theatrical release on December 24, 2026, and boasts a star-studded cast that includes Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi, and Abhay Verma. The anticipation surrounding this film adds to the excitement for Khan’s ongoing contributions to the entertainment sector.

As the UNIFYD Festival approaches, it is poised to become a significant event in the music calendar, promising to deliver a unique experience that showcases the richness of South Asian music to a broader audience.

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