MUMBAI: Leading music company Universal Music today announced the first addition to their roster in 2016 – 21 year old New York / New Jersey based R&B/Pop sensation Amrit Dasu a.k.a. DASU. First discovered by Rishi Rich - who’s arguably the most successful Asian music producer of our times – took DASU under his tutelage, which in turn led to his first major record deal, signing to the Universal Music Group for the world.

DASU’s debut single ‘Dil Kya Kare (Did I Love You?)’ is co-written by Rishi Rich & DASU and produced by Rishi Rich. Using the sample of the timeless hit ‘Dil Kya Kare’ from the 1975 classic ‘Julie’, Rishi Rich laces the track with DASU’s suave vocals turning it into a sensual R&B / Pop gem.

The accompanying music video featuring the stunning Mallika Sherawat as the main lead along with DASU was shot in some of the most exotic locales of Goa. Directed by Nameeta Premkumar (Imagik Media), the concept and treatment elevates the song to another level. The story is a heart wrenching tale of love which ends in a dramatic climax.

Says Mallika Sherawat on her involvement in the project, “When Universal Music first played me the song I simply loved it and instantly agreed to be part of the video! It’s amazing how a 70’s classic ‘Dil Kya Kar’ sits in beautifully with today’s contemporary urban sound. Rishi Rich has done a fabulous job and young Dasu is definitely a star in the making. Shooting the video in Goa was great fun and I’m very happy on how it’s turned out. Imagik Media the video directors have created a classy looking video and I can’t wait for my fans to see it.”

Speaking on his latest protégé, Rishi Rich says, “I'm very excited to work with this fine young talent DASU. When I discovered him I instantly knew he was going to be a star. We have been working together for some time now developing him as an artist, songwriter and dancer. He is by far one of the most talented artists I have worked with and I cannot wait for the world to hear and see him!”

Says DASU, “Long flights and longer hours in the studio…all comes down to moments like these. Signing my first deal with the Universal Music Group…honored to have a team that works super hard and understands my craft with me on this journey. I truly believe what Rishi and I do together is magical. People will be able to feel that through our music. I feel very lucky to be able to help him in the journey of breaking barriers around the world. Not only being able to work with the legends in the game but also learning about it has developed me as an artist tremendously since meeting him. ‘Dil Kya Kare (Did I Love You?)’ is our first release together and it will forever remain in my heart for what it has done for me to get to this point. As a proud Indian from America, I’m super excited to bring my music to South Asia and then to the world.”

Universal Music Group, South Asia managing director and CEO Devraj Sanyal said, “Every once in a while you come across an artiste that feels special from the word `go’. DASU is one such artiste. He ticks all the boxes, a complete package – singer, songwriter, dancer and performer – exactly what’s required in today’s time to break the clutter. And being mentored by someone like Rishi Rich obviously brings in that much more credibility as we all know the kind of work Rishi has been doing on the global stage for over a decade now. We welcome DASU to the UMG family and are super excited to launch him with this brilliant Rishi Rich produced single…a classic east meets west sound that’s bound to connect with music lovers worldwide.”

The single ‘Dil Kya Kare (Did I Love You?)’ is now available across all digital partners exclusively on Universal Music.