Bay Area’s Bhangra Empire Powers NBA Halftime Show

India-West News Desk

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Bollywood spectacle met American sports culture on a December night in San Francisco when the thumping title track of Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster film ‘Dhurandhar’ echoed through an NBA arena.

During halftime at the Golden State Warriors versus Minnesota Timberwolves game on December 12, 2025, the Chase Center floor transformed into a vibrant celebration of Punjabi rhythm and movement.

At the heart of the moment was Bhangra Empire, a Bay Area collective known for bringing traditional Punjabi dance into unexpected public spaces. As the music swelled, dancers in bright, traditional attire filled the court, delivering tightly synchronized choreography that blended folk energy with arena scale drama.

The track itself carries the swagger and cinematic pulse that made ‘Dhurandhar’ a mega hit. Composed by Shashwat Sachdev, the song features vocals by Hanumankind and Jasmine Sandlas, fusing contemporary sound with deep roots in Punjabi musical tradition. That fusion translated seamlessly to the halftime stage, where the beat-driven composition matched the athletic intensity of the NBA setting.

Bhangra Empire, ounded in 2006, brings together students and working professionals united by a shared commitment to showcasing Punjabi culture on a global platform. Since 2009, they have also taught Bhangra classes across the Bay Area.