Ali Sethi’s qawwali cameo recodes South Asian representation in 'Deli Boys'
Home Sethi's cameo highlights modern storytelling using internal cultural language over Western validation In an unexpected yet powerful scene on Hulu’s dark comedy, Deli Boys, classical vocalist and global music sensation Ali Sethi appears on screen to perform Amir Khusro’s centuries-old Qawwali, Chaap Tilak, marking a significant milestone for South Asian culture. As Poorna Jagannathan’s character sways to the music, the scene transcends entertainment, emerging as a rare celebration of South Asian cultural heritage on a major Western platform. Created by Abdullah Saeed, Deli Boys has built its reputation on a gritty, chaotic, and unapologetic portrayal of the Pakistani-American experience. Following brothers Mir and Raj Dar (Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh) as they navigate their late father’s convenience store and secret criminal underbelly, the series actively rejects the pressure to be a "model minority" narrative.
Published: May 30, 2026 11:56 am
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original