Shikhar Dhawan’s Music Debut ‘Besos’ Hits 50 Million Views

Former Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known to fans as ‘Gabbar’, has stepped into an entirely new arena—and he’s made quite the entrance. The cricketer has taken his first major leap into the world of entertainment with Besos, a vibrant pop single featuring Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez. Released on Play DMF’s official YouTube channel, the music video has quickly soared up the trending charts, currently sitting at number five with over 54 million views.

Dhawan, who officially retired from all formats of cricket in August 2024, appears to be embracing his post-cricket career with renewed energy. In Besos, he’s seen in a never-before-seen avatar, grooving alongside Jacqueline in a high-energy, visually rich dance video. While fans might recall his brief appearance in the 2022 film Double XL, this marks his most significant on-screen performance to date.

A Global Sound with a Star-Studded Lineup

Besos is more than just a celebrity crossover—it’s a global musical collaboration. The song is sung by celebrated Indian vocalist Shreya Ghoshal and international artist Karl Wine, blending upbeat global pop with a distinctly Indian flair. The music is composed by Rajat Nagpal, Freebot, and Karl Wine, with lyrics penned by Rana Sotal, Freebot, and Wine. The track’s production is helmed by John Claes and Rajat Nagpal.

Behind the camera, the choreography and direction come from the dynamic duo Piyush Bhagat and Shazia Samji, known for their sharp, stylized moves. Jacqueline brings her signature flair, while Dhawan holds his own with surprising ease, showing off a confident stage presence few expected from the cricket field veteran.

Lights, Camera, Celebration

From sets to styling, Besos is a polished production that’s drawn admiration from fans and industry insiders alike. Choreographer Piyush Bhagat gave fans a peek behind the scenes via Instagram, posting a moment with Jacqueline in a striking white floral look and writing about the joy of working with a team that “truly enjoys the process.”

The credits feature a large, talented crew including Raghav Sharma, Niyati Raval, Nandika Dwivedi, Vipul Kandpal, Ach Prash, and Pravin Shinde, whose combined efforts helped bring the visually rich, slickly choreographed video to life. Set designers, stylists, and music arrangers worked in sync to build what fans are calling an “aesthetic feast.”

The Internet Reacts: "Gabbar is Back!"

The audience response has been nothing short of electric. Social media is abuzz with praise for Dhawan’s unexpected screen presence and the on-screen chemistry he shares with Jacqueline. Comments under the video range from “Shikhar Dhawan... a number!” to “Gabbar is back,” showing how his sporting persona is being warmly welcomed in this new role.

Many fans have also appreciated his seamless transition into entertainment. One comment reads, “Jacqueline-Shikhar mast,” while another says, “What a great comeback,” applauding his choice to explore a second innings beyond cricket.

With Besos, Dhawan has proven that his charisma isn’t limited to the pitch. As he ventures into this new chapter, the former cricketer-turned-performer seems to have struck the right chord—not just in music, but in the hearts of his fans.