100K Views in 2 Weeks with Epic Kiwi-Indian Reimagining of Ed’s 'Sapphire'

Without major label backing or studio budgets, Ketan Kumawat and Manpreet’s 1,500km road trip passion project 'Sapphire 2.0' proves the unstoppable power of grassroots community support.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — In an era dominated by corporate record labels and massive marketing budgets, two independent Kiwi-Indian artists have accomplished what many in the industry thought impossible: amassing over 106,000 organic views on YouTube in just 14 days with zero major studio backing.

Sapphire 2.0, a soulful Hindi acoustic tribute to Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh's global hit, has taken social media by storm. Conceived in a home garage in Auckland and filmed across a grueling 1,500-kilometer road trip spanning the North Island, the independent music video stands as a masterclass in creative grit, visual storytelling, and local collaboration.

From an Auckland Garage to 1,500km on the Open Road

The journey behind Sapphire 2.0 began over 14 months ago. Singer, director, and editor Ketan Kumawat teamed up with acclaimed lyricist Manpreet (renowned for the viral hit Papatoetoe) to reimagine the global pop anthem through a uniquely authentic South Asian lens set against Aotearoa’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Rather than relying on green screens or artificial studio setups, the duo packed their camera gear into a grey Tesla and embarked on an ambitious road trip covering Auckland, Hunua Falls, Paeroa, Tauranga, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Palmerston North, Wellington, New Plymouth, Hamilton, and Hobbiton.

"We started this with no big record label, no major corporate sponsor, and no industry safety net," says Ketan Kumawat. "It was just a dream in a garage, a deep respect for the original track, and a determination to capture the raw beauty of New Zealand through a lens that global audiences haven't seen before."

Powered by Grassroots & Community Spirit

What makes the 106K view milestone remarkable is how it was achieved. Without corporate ad budgets pushing the track, the video’s explosive surge has been driven purely by authentic community word-of-mouth and local art lovers.

The project brought together a dedicated coalition of local New Zealand talent:

• Local Dance Collectives: High-energy performances by the Khottey Sikkey dance troupe and the Benaam Community, alongside lead dancers Catherine Jesse, Amisha Damania, Hiral Pusarla, Mannat Dua, Krish Sethi, and Kesha Surti.

• Cultural Authenticity: Traditional Punjabi attire supplied by Sharandeep Singh and Gurinder Sandhu (Rooh Punjab Di).

• Grassroots Media: Strategic support from local ethnic broadcasting channels, including Humm FM NZ.

The Numbers Behind the Viral Surge

A Movement for Independent Artists Worldwide

As Sapphire 2.0 continues its rapid upward momentum, its success serves as a powerful statement for independent creators everywhere. It proves that compelling visual storytelling, authentic cultural fusion, and genuine community backing can match the reach of major label machinery.

With thousands of fans across New Zealand, India, and beyond tagging Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh in the comments, this Kiwi-Indian tribute is rapidly growing from a local achievement into a global movement.

Sapphire 2.0 is currently streaming officially on YouTube via the VR3 Films channel.

MetricOfficial AchievementTotal Organic Views106,000+ (and counting)Timeframe14 DaysDistance Covered1,500+ km across NZ's North IslandProduction Timeline14 Months of independent hustle