From seven followers in 2020 to 9.9 million followers in 2024! To say Sheena Melwani is not one of the most versatile social media stars of today would be an understatement. And now making another leap in her life, the 40-year-old is gearing up to sing the national anthem during the NBA finals Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. This is not her first rodeo on the NBA stage, though.

Earlier in March, she was invited by the Celtics, also her favorite team, for a similar feat that left her awestruck. “It was just it was such a team effort and it was it was a perfect amalgamation of like being in the right place at the right time with the right energy,” the influencer had said at the time. But who is she, exactly? 

Sheena Melwani’s popularity is imbibed in relatability. Infusing raw vocal talent with witty retorts (courtesy of her husband) and chaos, Melwani’s videos showcase a family life that many would relate to. But her journey is reminiscent of a steady climb. Four years ago, when the world was confined by four walls, the mother of two started sharing her singing videos online. And on one such occasion, her husband aka ‘The Real Indian Dad’ (TRID) simply stole the show, setting the stage for the fan-favorite ‘Interrupted’ series.

“I did Facebook Live events, singing, sharing my stories and sometimes I would be a human jukebox and take requests. One night, I had my camera set up and thought I would record a song for Instagram, “If the World Was Ending,” (by JP Saxe and Julia Michaels). My husband didn’t realize I was filming. He was being himself and talking about what a terrible idea it was to come over if the world was ending and it went viral. I put it on TikTok. I think people really wanted a reason to laugh and enjoyed the formula of music and comedy,” Melwani said in a conversation with The Boston Globe, in 2023.

And now, exactly a year later, her latest Instagram post reflected how those efforts have paid off. “Guess who is getting to sing at Game 2 of the NBA Finals!? I am SO thankful to this community for helping me create a space that has allowed for an opportunity like this to happen. I hope you’ll tune in tomorrow, June 9th at 7:45pm EST to cheer on your girl, and of course, my @celtics!” the post read.

Even Former Celtics player Paul Pierce was excited at the development and commented, “And guess who else will be there”.  

And keeping the romance alive, her husband, whose real name is reportedly Dinesh Melwani, wrote, “Can I be your Plus 1?” For those wondering, Dinesh is reportedly a transactional attorney and a member of Mintz Levin. Quite noticeable for his humor, ‘TRID’ has a large fanbase of 3.03 million across Instagram and TikTok.

But did you know Sheena Melwani had headlined another sporting event, singing ‘The Star-Sprangled Banner’, 15 years ago?

When baseball called!

Long before the world knew her as the quirky vocal artist/influencer, the Asian American used to sing in choirs, churches, weddings, and bands during her teens. Currently, a resident of Natick, Massachusetts, Melwani was born on September, 1, 1983. She grew up in Montreal and would listen to her grandfather sing all the time.

Notably, the internet personality is no stranger to enthralling live audiences, with her early endeavors dating back to Fenway Park in 2009 during a Red Sox vs Blue Jays game.

Melwani once reflected on her journey and the recognition she received. “I always wanted the world to hear my voice,” she said. “You have to be careful what you wish for. Because now the whole world hears my voice every single day. I never thought I would be recognized for being myself as a mom stuck in suburbia. You don’t see your personality as being of extraordinary value, and suddenly one day I found people enjoyed the fun and joy in our home,” she revealed.

The vocal artist has become a beloved figure, thanks to her unusual combination of musical talent and a witty/ captivating internet persona. Her performance in the NBA Finals Game 2 is much awaited and will undoubtedly make the occasion unforgettable.

Before you go, do not forget to check out how Caitlin Clark’s humility despite the negativity surrounding her is impressing Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato. Keep checking this space for more such updates.