BTS, Salman Khan: What Indians Asked Alexa in 2025
When Amazon released its annual interest report for India last month, it didn't just share data—it handed over a mirror to the nation's living rooms. Between January and November 2025, Indian users turned to their voice assistants not just for weather updates, but to ask who Salman Khan's wife is, play tracks by BTS, and settle debates about the net worth of Elon Musk.
The twist? It’s not just Bollywood anymore. The data reveals a startling shift: Indian homes are increasingly globalized, with K-Pop giants and American pop stars sharing equal airtime with legendary playback singers. Here’s what your neighbors were really asking their smart speakers this year.
The K-Pop Explosion in Indian Homes
Here’s the thing that surprised analysts: K-Pop isn’t a niche trend in India anymore; it’s mainstream household audio. According to the report covered by Gadgets 360 Hindi and Navbharat Times, South Korean boy band BTS, solo artist Jennie, and girl group Blackpink dominated search queries.
But the real standout was the collaboration track "APT" by ROSÉ (from Blackpink) and Bruno Mars. This viral hit wasn’t just streamed; it was explicitly requested via voice commands more than any other song in the country. It sat comfortably alongside Bollywood favorites like "Saiyaara" and "Aaj Ki Raat," proving that language barriers mean very little when the beat drops.
Turns out, the algorithm doesn’t care about borders. Users seamlessly jumped from ROSÉ to Arijit Singh, creating playlists that would have baffled music curators five years ago.
Bridging Generations: From Lata Mangeshkar to Bruno Mars
You might expect a tech-heavy demographic to ignore classics. Oddly enough, the opposite happened. The data shows a fascinating coexistence of eras. While Bruno Mars and ROSÉ led the charts for new listeners, legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Shankar Mahadevan remained heavily requested.
This suggests that Alexa isn’t replacing family radio time; it’s digitizing it. Grandparents and grandchildren are likely using the same device, pulling up different decades of music without missing a beat. Composers like Pritam and singers like Shreya Ghoshal bridged the gap, appearing frequently in requests across age groups.
Celebrity Trivia and the Curiosity Factor
Music takes up half the conversation, but the other half? Pure curiosity. And sometimes, gossip. Users asked Alexa everything from the net worth of Virat Kohli to the marital status of Salman Khan. Yes, people are still asking if the Bollywood star has a wife—despite the answer being readily available on Google.
Sports icons also made the cut. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were frequent subjects of inquiry, alongside local heroes like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. Business tycoons fared no better; Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Jeff Bezos were constantly queried for their financial standings.
It’s a reminder that while we use these devices for convenience, we also treat them as conversational partners for our idle thoughts. Why type a question when you can shout it at a cylinder in your kitchen?
Podcasts, Politics, and Kitchen Hacks
Beyond entertainment, the utility side of Alexa saw significant usage. True-crime podcasts like The Horror Show by Khooni Monday and The Desi Crime Podcast were among the most requested audio content. It seems Indians love a good mystery story almost as much as they love a Bollywood romance.
Politically, users checked facts about the Prime Minister, various Chief Ministers, and the President of the United States. Geography and population trivia also saw a spike, suggesting students or quiz enthusiasts were using the device for quick fact-checking. And let’s not forget the practical stuff: cooking recipes and kitchen tips were consistently popular, turning Alexa into a silent sous-chef for millions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did K-Pop become so popular on Alexa in India?
The surge in K-Pop requests reflects the growing globalization of Indian youth culture. Artists like BTS and Blackpink have massive social media followings in India, leading fans to request their songs directly through voice assistants. The cross-cultural appeal of hits like "APT" further cemented this trend, making K-Pop a staple in diverse household playlists.
Who were the most searched celebrities in 2025?
Indian users primarily searched for Bollywood actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan, often asking personal questions about their lives. Sports figures Virat Kohli, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi were also top searches, particularly regarding their net worth and career stats.
Did older generations use Alexa significantly?
Yes, the data indicates strong engagement from older demographics. Legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar were frequently requested, showing that seniors are adopting voice technology to access their favorite classic music. This suggests Alexa serves as a bridge between generations within the same household.
What non-music tasks did Indians use Alexa for?
Beyond music, users relied on Alexa for cooking recipes, kitchen tips, and general knowledge queries. There was also significant interest in political figures, including the Prime Minister and US President, as well as geography and population statistics, indicating its use as an educational and informational tool.
