Even though at its core, 'Deli Boys' is a crime comedy about two privileged Pakistani-American brothers who find themselves thrust into their family's criminal empire after the sudden death of their father, the show's premise thrives on absurdity and chaos. One of the show’s most compelling qualities is how naturally it incorporates South Asian culture into every aspect of its storytelling. The series builds a world where Pakistani and broader South Asian identities feel lived-in, from family dynamics and language to food, music and celebrity cameos; it embraces the complexity of diasporic life.
That commitment becomes especially apparent in the show's soundtrack and casting choices. Alongside a carefully curated mix of hip-hop, rap and contemporary pop, the series spotlights artists from South Asia and its diaspora. Whether through the energy of Reble and Parimal Shais' 'New Riot', or the commanding presence of Hanumankind's 'Goons', here are 3 homegrown artists that have been spotlighted on the Deli Boys season 2 soundtrack:
'New Riot' pairs the razor-sharp intensity of Meghalaya rapper Reble with the explosive production of Bengaluru-based producer Parimal Shais. Reble has described the song as an expression of anger, rebellion and emotional release, while Shais' production gives it a cinematic punch that makes it feel equally suited to everything from a club to a protest to a high-stakes television sequence. The track channels a distinct frustration and agnst, embodying the chaos that defines much of the show's criminal underworld.
Few artists feel as naturally aligned with Deli Boys' swaggering energy as Hanumankind. Featured in the season finale, 'Goons' captures the Kerala-born rapper's trademark blend of menace and charisma. The track's hard-hitting production and relentless flow amplify the tension of the show's climax. Its inclusion speaks to the growing presence of South Asian artists in mainstream global television soundtracks and highlights the show's commitment to reflecting contemporary diasporic culture through its music choices.
Beyond its soundtrack, Deli Boys also leans into South Asian cultural representation through a memorable cameo by Ali Sethi. Best known globally for the viral hit 'Pasoori', Sethi's appearance where he sings the qawwali, ‘Chaap Tilak’ originally written by Sufi poet Amir Khusro, serves as a nod to the show's South Asian roots. His cameo arrives as a moment of cultural recognition for audiences familiar with contemporary South Asian music, reinforcing Deli Boys' ability to blend crime-comedy absurdity with authentic references to Pakistani and South Asian popular culture. The appearance is par for the course for a series that consistently celebrates the many intersections between migration and modern identity.
If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:
The Un-Model Minority: Poorna Jagannathan On Deli Boys' Subversive South Asian Vision
3 Homegrown Comedies That Captured The Nuances Of Working Class Struggle
Maya Kurian Has ‘Something To Prove’: The Diaspora & Its Discontent