Bhushan Kumar Drives T-Series to Global Music and Film Dominance

Bhushan Kumar, born 27 November 1977 in Delhi, is the chairman and managing director of Super Cassettes Industries Limited, better known as T‑Series. The company, founded by his father Gulshan Kumar in 1983, has grown from a regional music label into India’s largest music and film production house and one of the world’s most‑watched YouTube channels.

After Gulshan Kumar was murdered in 1997, Bhushan and his younger brother Krishan Kumar took over the business. Under Bhushan’s leadership, T‑Series expanded its catalog, diversified into film production, and embraced digital distribution. By 2026, the company’s YouTube channel had 313 million subscribers and more than 26 000 videos, making it the most‑viewed channel globally and the second most‑subscribed.

T‑Series holds a significant share of the Indian music market. In 2014, it controlled about 35 % of the industry’s revenue, a position that has remained largely unchanged. The label’s catalog includes Bollywood soundtracks, which account for roughly 80 % of India’s music revenue, and a growing portfolio of Indi‑pop and devotional music.

A key part of the company’s strategy has been the development of new talent. Bhushan has been credited with launching the careers of singers, composers, and playback artists, many of whom have become household names in India. The company’s talent‑development model includes in‑house production facilities, music‑production workshops, and a network of music‑rights organizations.

In addition to music, T‑Series has produced and distributed a number of successful films. The studio has worked with directors such as Madhur Bhandarkar and Milan Luthria, and has co‑produced movies that have performed well at the box office. In 2017, Bhushan signed a contract with actor Akshay Kumar for a biopic titled Mogul, although the project was later shelved after Akshay withdrew. The same year, Aamir Khan agreed to star in the film.

Digital platforms have been central to T‑Series’ growth. The company’s music videos routinely reach hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, and its catalog is available on major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. In 2026, the company celebrated the 5 billion‑view milestone for its Hanuman Chalisa video, the only Indian video to reach that figure.

T‑Series is a member of the Indian Music Industry (IMI), a trust that represents music‑distribution rights holders in India. The IMI, founded in 1936 as the Indian Phonographic Industry, is a key body for copyright protection and industry advocacy.

Financially, Bhushan Kumar’s net worth was reported at ₹10 000 crores (approximately US$1.2 billion) in the Hurun India Rich List 2022. The company’s revenue streams include music sales, streaming royalties, film production, and advertising on its digital platforms.

The company’s approach to production balances commercial viability with creative quality. Industry observers note that Bhushan’s personal involvement in projects often leads to higher production values and a focus on audience preferences.

T‑Series continues to expand its global footprint. The studio’s music videos are regularly featured on international streaming playlists, and its films are distributed in overseas markets, contributing to the growing presence of Indian cinema worldwide.

In summary, Bhushan Kumar’s stewardship has transformed T‑Series from a regional label into a global entertainment powerhouse. The company’s success in music and film, its embrace of digital distribution, and its commitment to nurturing new talent have positioned it as a leading force in the Indian and international music and film industries.