When the Official Asian Music Chart launched in 2010, it was the first chart of its kind to recognise the consumption of South Asian music in the UK.
For the first time, Bollywood, Bhangra and more mainstream rap and pop acts from a South Asian background had a platform to recognise their success.
To celebrate the 15-year milestone, BBC Asian Network asked listeners to vote for their favourite song from a list of the Top 50 biggest selling number 1’s.
Presenters Nikita Kanda and Haroon Rashid revealed that Tum Hi Ho, sung by Arijit Singh for the Bollywood film Aashiqui 2, was the nation’s favourite.
The singer, known for his work in cinema, recently made history by headlining a sold-out UK stadium show, and collaborated with Ed Sheeran on global hit Sapphire.
Reacting to news of Tum Hi Ho’s win, composer Mithoon said it was an important song for him.
It fulfilled his “childhood dream” of winning a prestigious Filmfare Award – the first in his celebrated career.
“I dedicated that song to my father and to everything that he taught me and sacrificed for me, so it’s a very special song for me,” he says.
