Malsons Media Founder Shivam Malhotra Becomes First Indian Honoured in Inaugural Billboard Canada 40 Under 40
Mumbai, Nov 19th: Billboard Canada has unveiled its first-ever 40 Under 40 list, recognizing young executives, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of the Canadian music industry. Shivam Malhotra, Founder & CEO of Malsons Media, has become the first and only Indian to be inducted into this prestigious inaugural edition.
The 2025 list highlights rising visionaries across labels, management, live music, streaming, radio, marketing, and culture. Amid business partners of global superstars Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, and senior executives from major music companies worldwide, Malhotra stands out as the only honouree from India and the sole South Asian media leader represented.
Billboard recognizes Malhotra as “a central force in taking Punjabi music from Canada to the world,” while driving innovative intersections between Canadian music, film, and technology. As founder of Malsons Media, he has built a multi-vertical entertainment incubator spanning artist management, original content, and strategic investments—empowering creators to grow globally without compromising artistic ownership.
At just 33, Malhotra has been instrumental in the meteoric rise of Brampton-based Punjabi hip-hop star Shubh, whose music has crossed 6 billion career streams and generated a digital footprint exceeding 40 billion. Under Malhotra’s strategic direction, Shubh has sold out arenas across North America and the Middle East, earning accolades including SOCAN Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year (2025) and Jim Beam Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Canadian Music Week (2023).
Malsons Media has released over 250 songs across Punjabi hip-hop and pop, collaborating with more than 70 artists, including chart-toppers like Jubin Nautiyal and Harshdeep Kaur, and emerging talents such as Gravity, JXGGI, Frappe Ash, and Awee. Multiple releases have appeared on global and Billboard charts, as well as top playlists on major streaming platforms, yielding #1 hits in India and several Top 10 placements worldwide.
Reflecting on his recognition, Malhotra said:
“I’m super grateful for this honour and encouragement. The future isn’t coming—it’s what we’re building right now. The global Punjabi wave is the blueprint, not the exception. Language is no longer a barrier—it’s a superpower. The old, one-sided artist deal is dead. The new model is artist ownership and building real enterprises. We’re creating global pipelines from hubs like India and Canada.”
Billboard notes that through Malsons Media, Malhotra continues to support artists shaping Canada’s evolving cultural identity and expanding its global creative footprint. He adds, “I’m endlessly inspired by Canada’s artists, collectives, and cultural builders. Spotlighting greatness has always been the goal—and Canada has no shortage of it.”
In addition to the Billboard Canada 40 Under 40 recognition, Malhotra was recently named to the Billboard Global Music Managers Watchlist 2025 (Canada). Previously, he was honored as one of the ‘Most Influential Personalities’ by Economic Times. Under his leadership, Malsons Media has won accolades including Business Connect’s “Startup of the Year” and Brands Impact’s ‘Best Entertainment & Tech Startup’.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Malhotra has previously worked at Snap, Parkes+MacDonald Productions, and Universal Films. Beyond entertainment, he actively supports social initiatives aiding senior citizens and stray animals.
