I was thinking of my parents and grandparents: Sanjoy

The world moves in a flash at 130 beats per minute. For months, the preparation for Sanjoy Deb was exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Behind the private jets and celebratory vlogs that he posted, was immaculate planning and a mountain of expectations. When the bass dropped, he was standing at the center of the footballing world.

"Honestly, it all happened so fast," Sanjoy reflected over the phone. After I'd finally gotten a hold of him after the ceremony, I realised that his voice was carrying the residual adrenaline of someone who was still processing things. "We spent so much time creating the outfit, rehearsing, preparing, and dreaming about this moment. Then suddenly, you’re standing on a FIFA World Cup stage, and three minutes later, it’s over."

On Friday afternoon at Toronto's BMO Field, the Bangladeshi-American electronic music producer anchored a seismic cultural moment. Stepping onto the turf alongside Bollywood's Nora Fatehi and French artiste Vegedream to deliver "SIIR SIIR", a standout track on the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Soundtrack Album, Sanjoy commanded a global audience of millions.

Yet, for all the pyrotechnics and stadium roar, the defining image of the ceremony was local. Sanjoy performed while donning a striking maroon jacket, its sleeve intricately embroidered with the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Shapla (water lily), and the crimson sun of the Bangladeshi flag. Every time he pointed to his arm, he wasn't just showing off a design—he was anchoring his heritage in real-time.

"I thought about my parents, my grandma, my grandfather who is not with us but I know he’s watching... and honestly the younger version of myself who used to dream about moments like this."

Sanjoy was a boy moulded by his classical musical family, long before immigrating to California and navigating the competitive American showbiz landscape. "Growing up, I never imagined that one day I’d be performing at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony," he admitted. "So standing there and seeing it become real was incredibly emotional."

It would be naive to mistake this peak for a finale. If his track record of cracking the US Top 40 and collaborating with global giants like Badshah and GOT7’s Youngjae has proven anything, it is that Sanjoy treats milestones merely as launchpads.

"I genuinely feel like this is just the beginning," he insists. "The goal has never been one moment or one stage. It’s always been about building a global career and creating music that connects people across cultures."

The producer is already looking toward the horizon. The focus has swiftly shifted back to the studio and an impending global tour. "Right now, I’m focused on continuing to tell that story through new music and live shows around the world," Sanjoy said. "We have a lot of music coming, and after seeing the response to 'SIIR SIIR', I’m more inspired than ever."

As the World Cup matches get underway, Sanjoy leaves the tournament with something far more permanent than a performance credit. 

"If FIFA has taught me anything, it’s that music has the power to bring the entire world together," he said, the conviction clear in his voice. "I want to keep chasing that feeling."