Shirley Setia, born July 2, 1995, is a 29-year-old Indo-Kiwi singer and actress who rose to fame through YouTube covers of Bollywood songs. Known as the “Pyjama Popstar,” she made her acting debut with Netflix’s Maska in 2020 and starred in Nikamma (2022). With over 3.8 million YouTube subscribers and millions of Instagram followers, her estimated net worth ranges between $200K-$265K annually from multiple revenue streams. Currently single and based in Mumbai, she continues to inspire fans with her music and acting career.
Shirley Setia
Shirley Setia Age, Boyfriend, Family, Income & Biography – these are among the most searched queries about this rising Bollywood star. From recording covers in her bedroom wearing pyjamas to gracing the silver screen, Shirley’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Born in Daman, India, and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Shirley gained attention as a YouTube musician while studying at the University of Auckland. Forbes magazine featured her, referring to her as “Bollywood’s Next Big Singing Sensation,” cementing her status as a digital-age success story.
Her story resonates with millions because it proves that talent, combined with digital platforms, can transform dreams into reality. Whether you’re curious about her personal life, career milestones, or financial success, this comprehensive guide covers everything.
Check Shirley Setia’s Best Songs Playlist →
Shirley Setia Detailed Biography
Personal Information
Full Name: Shirley Setia
Nickname: Pyjama Popstar, Shirl
Birthplace: Daman, India
Current Residence: Mumbai, India
Nationality: Indo-Kiwi (Indian-New Zealander)
Religion: Hinduism
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Profession: Singer, Actress, YouTuber, Former Radio Jockey
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 50 kg (110 lbs)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Figure: 33-26-34 inches
Education
Shirley completed her education at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, where she pursued a B.Com degree with a focus on marketing and information systems. During university, she balanced academics with part-time work as a radio jockey at Radio Tarana.
Notable Achievements
- Featured in Forbes Magazine (2016)
- BIG Digital Sensation Award
- Musician of the Year – Outlook Social Media Awards
- YouTube Creator at YouTube FanFest (2016, 2017)
- 3.8+ million YouTube subscribers
- 6+ million Instagram followers
Her first viral video, a cover of “Tum Hi Ho” from “Aashiqui 2,” was recorded spontaneously at 1 am in her pyjamas, earning her the nickname “Pyjama Popstar”.
Shirley Setia Age
How old is Shirley Setia? Shirley Setia was born on July 2, 1995, making her 29 years old as of 2024.
Born in Daman, India, Shirley moved to Auckland, New Zealand, with her family when she was just seven years old. Growing up in Auckland, she was exposed to both Indian and Western cultures, which influenced her musical style.
As a child, Shirley wanted to be an astronaut and was a bright student in school. However, her love for old Hindi songs by legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh, thanks to her parents, eventually steered her toward music.
Shirley Setia Boyfriend / Relationship Status
Is Shirley Setia dating anyone? Currently, Shirley Setia appears to be single and focused on her career.
Shirley was previously in a relationship with Hitarth Sharma, an engineer studying at the University of Auckland, but they ended their relationship about a year and a half ago due to incompatibility.
There have been rumors linking her to various celebrities:
- Some sources mention past relationships with Hitarth Sharm and singer Arman Malik
- In 2019, rumors circulated about her dating co-star Abhimanyu Dassani during the filming of Nikamma, though neither confirmed the relationship
- One source suggested she was in a casual relationship with music composer Jigar Saraiya
However, Shirley keeps her personal life extremely private and rarely discusses relationships publicly. She prefers to let her work speak for itself and maintains professional boundaries with the media regarding her love life.
Shirley Setia Family Background
Father
Shirley’s father, Raj Setia, is a businessman in New Zealand with roots in Hisar, Haryana. He has been supportive of her unconventional career choice.
Mother
Shirley’s mother is Firoza Setia, a homemaker who belongs to Goa. She encouraged Shirley’s love for old Hindi music from childhood.
Siblings
Shirley has a younger brother named Shane Setia, who maintains a low profile away from the spotlight.
Family Support
Shirley revealed in interviews that she was very close to her grandfather. Her family’s unwavering support allowed her to take risks, like moving from Auckland to Mumbai to pursue Bollywood dreams. The Setia family represents the perfect blend of traditional values and modern aspirations, encouraging Shirley to chase her passion while staying grounded.
Grab the Best Microphone for Singing (View Deals) →
Shirley Setia Career Journey
Early YouTube Journey
In 2013, the Indian music label T-Series organized a YouTube competition for which Shirley recorded a cover of “Tum Hi Ho.” She not only won the competition but also managed to gather a huge number of views.
This accidental success encouraged her to create more content. Her cover songs like “Bol Do Na Zara” and “Sanam Re,” each with over 23 million views, took the internet by storm. She learned video editing and production skills on her own, gradually improving the quality of her content.
Radio Jockey Career
Before YouTube fame, Shirley started her career as a Radio Jockey in Auckland with Radio Tarana, a radio station that played Hindi content. This experience helped her connect with Bollywood singers and gain confidence in public speaking.
Music Career
Breakthrough Moment: In 2015, while on vacation in Hyderabad, she posted on Facebook asking fans to meet her at GVK mall. To her surprise, a huge public gathering turned up, and security personnel had to intervene. This event made her realize the scale of her popularity and pushed her to pursue music professionally.
In 2016, Shirley performed her first concerts in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Forbes Magazine’s Rob Cain wrote about her, stating “Bollywood’s Next Big Singing Sensation Just Might Be This Tiny Kiwi”.
Original Music:
- “Naiyo Jaana” (2018) – collaboration with Ravi Singal
- “Koi Vi Nahi” – Punjabi track with Gurnazar Chattha
- “Kaho Na” (2024) – her first self-composed and self-written song
- “Disco Disco” – from the film “A Gentleman” (2017 Bollywood debut)
Bollywood & Acting Career
Film Debut: Shirley made her acting debut with the 2020 Hindi film Maska, which was released on Netflix. The film received mixed reviews, but her performance was appreciated.
Big Screen Projects:
- Nikamma (2022) – remake of the 2017 Telugu film Middle Class Abbayi, co-starring Abhimanyu Dassani and Shilpa Shetty
- Krishna Vrinda Vihari (2022) – Telugu film released on September 23, 2022
Live Performances & Collaborations
YouTube invited Shirley as a ‘YouTube Creator’ to perform live at YouTube FanFest held in Mumbai in 2016 and 2017. She has collaborated with international YouTube stars including Kurt Hugo Schneider, Sanam, and artists from the US, UK, India, and Canada.
Recommended YouTube Starter Kits – Click Here →
Shirley Setia Income & Net Worth
What is Shirley Setia’s net worth? Shirley Setia’s revenue is estimated at $200.3K in 2024, with potential variance between $197.4K and $265.4K.
Income Sources
YouTube Revenue: Her YouTube channel generates an estimated daily earnings of $223-$5K, with monthly earnings around $6.7K-$150.4K based on her 3.8+ million subscribers and video views.
Music Projects: Income from original songs, Bollywood playback singing, and music streaming platforms adds substantially to her earnings.
Instagram & Social Media: With over 6 million Instagram followers, Shirley earns through:
- Sponsored posts
- Brand collaborations
- Promotional campaigns
Brand Endorsements: She has collaborated with major brands including YouTube India and Dairy Milk Silk (2017 campaign with Armaan Malik).
Film Projects: In 2022 alone, she was estimated to have earned approximately $111.2K from various sources such as YouTube revenue, acting gigs, and stage shows.
Live Performances: Concert performances and stage shows at international events contribute to her annual income.
Net Worth Estimates
Different sources provide varying estimates:
- $1 million (approximately ₹8 crore) according to some reports
- Annual revenue projections suggest consistent six-figure income
- Growing brand value with expanding film career
Shirley Setia Height, Weight & Physical Stats
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Weight | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Bust | 33 inches |
| Waist | 26 inches |
| Hips | 34 inches |
| Bra Size | 33B |
| Shoe Size | 6.5 (US) |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Complexion | Fair |
Best Cameras for Singers & YouTubers – See Prices →
Shirley Setia Complete Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Setia |
| Nickname | Pyjama Popstar, Shirl |
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1995 |
| Age | 29 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Daman, India |
| Hometown | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Current City | Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | Indo-Kiwi |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Khatri |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Father’s Name | Raj Setia |
| Father’s Occupation | Businessman |
| Mother’s Name | Firoza Setia |
| Mother’s Occupation | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Shane Setia (younger brother) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Education | B.Com (Marketing & Information Systems) |
| University | University of Auckland |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, YouTuber |
| Debut Song | Tum Hi Ho (cover, 2013) |
| Film Debut | Maska (2020) |
| YouTube Subscribers | 3.8+ million |
| Instagram Followers | 6+ million |
| Net Worth | $1 million (approx.) |
| Annual Income | $200K-$265K |
| Favorite Singers | Lata Mangeshkar, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh |
| Favorite Actors | Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor |
| Hobbies | Nail art, guitar, traveling, content creation |
| First Stage Song | “Iktara” from Wake Up Sid |
| Awards | BIG Digital Sensation Award, Musician of the Year |
| Languages Known | English, Hindi |
| Pets | Cats |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shirley Setia’s age?
Shirley Setia was born on July 2, 1995, making her 29 years old as of 2024. She celebrates her birthday every year on July 2nd and belongs to the Cancer zodiac sign.
Is Shirley Setia married or dating someone?
Shirley Setia is currently single. She was previously in a relationship with Hitarth Sharma, an engineer, but they ended their relationship due to incompatibility. She prefers to keep her personal life private.
How did Shirley Setia become famous?
Shirley became famous after winning a T-Series YouTube competition in 2013 with her cover of “Tum Hi Ho,” recorded in her bedroom wearing pyjamas. This earned her the nickname “Pyjama Popstar” and launched her YouTube career.
What is Shirley Setia’s income source?
Shirley earns through multiple channels: YouTube ad revenue, brand endorsements, Instagram collaborations, film projects, original music releases, and live performances. In 2022, she earned approximately $111.2K from various sources.
Which movies has Shirley Setia acted in?
Shirley made her acting debut with Maska (2020) on Netflix, followed by Nikamma (2022) and Krishna Vrinda Vihari (2022) in Telugu cinema.
What is special about Shirley Setia’s YouTube journey?
Shirley is not a trained singer, yet she built a massive following of 3.8+ million subscribers through authentic, relatable content. Her spontaneous, bedroom-recorded covers resonated with millions globally.
Where does Shirley Setia live now?
After gaining YouTube fame in Auckland, New Zealand, Shirley moved to Mumbai, India, to pursue her Bollywood career. She currently resides in Mumbai while maintaining close ties with her family in New Zealand.
What languages does Shirley Setia speak?
Shirley speaks English and Hindi fluently. Growing up in New Zealand exposed her to English, while her Indian heritage and love for Bollywood music helped her master Hindi.
Shirley Setia vs Other YouTube Singers
| Singer | YouTube Subscribers | Estimated Net Worth | Famous For | Instagram Followers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirley Setia | 3.8M+ | $1M | Bollywood covers, Acting | 6M+ |
| Vidya Vox | 7M+ | $2M | Fusion music | 1.5M+ |
| Jonita Gandhi | 1.5M+ | $3M | Playback singing | 1.2M+ |
| Dhvani Bhanushali | 8M+ | $5M | Original music | 11M+ |
Final Thoughts
Shirley Setia’s journey from a bedroom YouTube singer to a Bollywood actress is truly inspirational. Born in Daman on July 2, 1995, and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Shirley’s story is filled with passion, hard work, and determination.
What makes her story remarkable is her authenticity. She is not a trained singer, yet she built an empire of 3.8+ million subscribers through genuine talent and relatability. Her nickname “Pyjama Popstar” symbolizes her down-to-earth nature and the belief that you don’t need fancy studios to chase dreams.
From winning T-Series competitions to being featured in Forbes, from radio jockey shifts to YouTube FanFest performances, from Netflix debuts to big-screen releases – Shirley has done it all while staying humble and connected to her roots.
Her estimated net worth of $1 million reflects years of consistent hard work across multiple platforms. With film projects in the pipeline and a growing music career, Shirley Setia’s future in the entertainment industry looks incredibly bright.
Want biographies of your favorite celebrities? Bookmark this page for updated celebrity info and verified details. Share with fellow Shirley Setia fans who want authentic information about their favorite Pyjama Popstar!
Follow Shirley Setia:
- YouTube: @ShirleySetia
- Instagram: @shirleysetia
- Twitter: @ShirleySetia
Disclaimer: Income and net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information and may vary. Relationship status information is based on public records and media reports. We respect Shirley Setia’s privacy and only include information that is publicly available.
Have updates or corrections? Help us keep this biography accurate by contacting us with verified information.
