Coke Studio Bharat’s “Ishq Bawla” featuring Dhanda Nyoliwala and Xvir Grewal is a hauntingly beautiful blend of Haryanvi folk and heartbreak. Desi Rap Network decodes the magic.

“Ishq mat karna, bin aayi maut mat marna…” That opening line doesn’t just set the mood, it declares war on every half-baked heartbreak song out there. Coke Studio Bharat has pulled off something unique with its latest drop, “Ishq Bawla.” This isn’t just music, it’s raw pain, poetry, and Haryanvi pride served on a gold platter. At the heart of it all is Dhanda Nyoliwala, the voice of rebellion and reason, teaming up with the emotionally rich vocals of Xvir Grewal. DRN couldn’t miss this one.

Coke Studio Bharat Hits Home with Haryanvi Intensity

Dropped on June 18, 2025, and already trending at #6 within hours of its premiere, “Ishq Bawla” isn’t just climbing charts, it’s setting standards. For the uninitiated, Coke Studio Bharat is a space where India’s deeply rooted folk traditions meet the experimental spirit of contemporary soundscapes. 

It’s a canvas where raw talent and real culture collide. And with “Ishq Bawla,” Coke Studio Bharat has amplified the essence of Haryanvi music like never before, loud, proud, and dripping with soul.

Dhanda Nyoliwala has long stood as a torchbearer for Haryanvi rap. Known for his gritty realism, local lingo, and unapologetically rooted sound, he doesn’t just represent the state, he is the state’s voice in Indian hip-hop. 

His storytelling has always been bold, but with “Ishq Bawla,” he’s operating on a different frequency. The words hit harder. The visuals stay longer. And the pain? It’s felt.

The track is conceptualized, written, and composed by Dhanda himself, proving once again that when it comes to creative control, he’s all in. Xvir Grewal, whose voice weaves melody into the melancholy, brings balance to Dhanda’s storm. 

The result is a duet of destruction and reflection, where rage and resolution sit side by side.

The song’s production is helmed by Romeoz, and it’s a masterclass in blending ancient instrumentation with new-age finesse. Deru, Bugchu, Ghada, Harmonium, these aren’t just names; they’re the soul of Haryanvi folk. 

And in “Ishq Bawla,” they don’t play in the background, they command attention. The mix of live house band energy with traditional vibes makes the track both nostalgic and fresh. You don’t just hear it, you feel it echo through your bones.

Lyrics That Leave a Mark – and Then Some

Now let’s talk lyrics. “Ishq Bawla” is packed with lines that sting like truth. From heartbreak described as a post-flood wasteland to the line, “Mere phone mein tera number hai, par chaah kar bhi main use dial nahi kar sakta,” it’s like Dhanda handed heartbreak a mic and said, “Spit your verse.” 

He doesn’t sugarcoat. He doesn’t dramatize. He narrates, clean, cut, and unfiltered.

The poetry dives deep into folklore, referencing love stories like Mirza-Sahiban, and even philosophizes the soul’s detachment post-betrayal. There’s a room in the heart made just for tears. There’s no lover left in the mirror. The ashes of love are scattered like bones by the Ganga. Every verse feels like a page from a grief-stained diary.

But it’s not just the artists who are echoing these emotions, the audience is screaming it from their souls. You scroll through the YouTube comments and it’s an ocean of love, grief, and pride. 

“Another milestone for Haryanvi as culture and community,” reads one. “Current face of Haryanvi music, Dhanda,” says another. Fans are treating this as a cultural landmark, not just a song release.

That’s the power of representation. And that’s exactly what Desi Rap Network is here to celebrate.

“Ishq Bawla” is a bold, bleeding love letter to those who’ve felt everything and been left with nothing. But it’s also a celebration of resilience, culture, and the kind of artistry that doesn’t rely on big labels or viral hooks to make its mark. It’s heart. It’s heritage. It’s Haryanvi.

Dhanda Nyoliwala and Xvir Grewal have created something timeless, something you don’t just play once. You revisit it. You feel seen by it.

Stay tapped in with Desi Rap Network – the frontline for everything real, raw, and revolutionary in Indian rap.