Bahraini rapper Flipperachi’s track FA9LA featured in Bollywood’s Dhurandhar, boosting his international recognition/Image: Instagram

Flipperachi, Bahrain’s rising Khaleeji hip-hop star, is capturing Indian audiences’ attention after his track FA9LA found its way into the recently released Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar. The collaboration marks a significant crossover moment for the artist, whose music has been steadily gaining global traction.

The song FA9LA plays during a pivotal scene involving Akshaye Khanna in Dhurandhar, amplifying the movie’s tension and energy. Ranveer Singh, who plays the film’s protagonist, shared a clip on Instagram with the track playing in the background. He captioned the post, “So here’s ’THAT’ track from the movie … FLIPPERACHI,” introducing the Bahraini rapper to his massive fanbase.

Flipperachi, whose real name is Hussam Aseem, is one of the Arab region’s leading hip-hop artists. Known for his distinctive Khaleeji style, he has collaborated with global names, including The Game, Shaggy, and even basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, with whom he recently worked on a soundtrack for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.In 2024, he won the Bahraini Artist of the Year award, cementing his influence in the region’s music scene. Some of his most celebrated tracks include Ee Laa, Shino AlKalam Hatha, Shoofha, and Nayda. Other popular hits like Akuma Yaw and Hayalla Min Yana further showcase his versatility and growing international appeal.

FA9LA has already racked up over 7 million views on YouTube. The track’s infectious beats and catchy hooks made it a social media sensation in Sri Lanka, highlighting its appeal beyond the Arab world. Its inclusion in Dhurandhar has expanded its reach, connecting Flipperachi with a whole new audience in India.

The Bollywood spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, opened on December 5 to strong box office numbers. According to Indian media reports, it collected Rs 28.60 crore (approximately Dh11.67 million) on its first day, drawing audiences in both urban and rural centers.Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, with music composed by Shashwat Sachdev, Dhurandhar has already announced its second installment, scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, as revealed in the first film’s end credits.

Flipperachi’s journey from Bahrain to Bollywood underscores the increasingly global nature of music collaborations. With international partnerships, viral tracks, and now a major film feature, he is not just representing Khaleeji hip-hop on the world stage, he is redefining it.