Launch · Consumer Internet & Media

Rusk Media launches I-Popstar Volume 2

By Startup Enthusiast · 4 September 2026

What they do

Rusk Media creates original pop music talent shows for emerging artists

It announced I-Popstar Volume 2, premiering September 2026, with mentors Neha Kakkar, Aditya Rikhari, and KING

Volume 1 generated over 2.06 billion song streams across major platforms

Rusk Media announced I-Popstar Volume 2, an original pop music talent IP (intellectual property).
The show premieres in September 2026.
Mentors include Neha Kakkar, Aditya Rikhari, and KING.
The host is Wicked Sunny (Vikalp Dwivedi).
Volume 2 has 18 episodes across three phases with weekly challenges.
Presenting partners are L'ORÉAL PARIS India and Ai+ Nova Smartphone.
The co-powered partner is Center Fresh (Perfetti Van Melle India).
The music partner is Saregama.

Volume 1 achieved 2.06 billion+ song streams across Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
The breakout track 'I'm Done' by Maan Panu got ~1.76 billion streams across two releases.
Volume 1 generated 1.46 billion+ digital and social impressions and 68 million+ engagements.
Rusk Media has entertained over 100 million people globally.

Rusk Media creates homegrown Indian original music formats.
I-Popstar is a platform for emerging artists beyond traditional talent shows.
The company has entertained over 100 million people globally.
Volume 1 streams spanned Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Volume 2 partners include L'ORÉAL PARIS India, Ai+ Nova Smartphone, Center Fresh, and Saregama.

Product: Vertical entertainment content including short-form dramas, music reality shows, interactive content, and proprietary animation studio.
Customers: Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences consuming digital-first entertainment on mobile platforms and streaming services.
How it makes money: Subscription and advertising revenue from owned platform (Alright!); licensing and partnership deals with streaming platforms; brand partnerships.
What sets it apart: Proprietary animation studio and vertical entertainment IPs; native understanding of digital-first content creation for younger audiences.