Meet Darshan Magdum, Indian member of US boy band, who finally gets O-1 visa and the Internet is behind it

Indian vocalist Darshan Magdum announced his visa approval to his U.S.-based bandmates via FaceTime, a moment that capped a lengthy immigration battle. Magdum, a member of the internet-famous boy band Boy Throb, can now officially join his bandmates Zachary Sobania, Evan Papier, and Anthony Key in the United States.

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We did it, guys.

The journey to secure Magdum's O-1 visa, designated for individuals with extraordinary abilities, began in December 2025. Initially, immigration officials requested further evidence, prompting the band to prove their legitimacy. This challenge fueled online speculation about whether Boy Throb was a real band and if Magdum was a genuine person.

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Begging for press solely to improve an immigration beneficiary request is not indicative of an organization or an establishment that has a distinguished reputation.

While Magdum's visa was pending, Boy Throb embarked on their tour, with Magdum appearing remotely via Zoom during concerts. Audience members actively supported his application, amplifying demands for his visa approval. The band, formed last fall, gained virality through social media, initially performing covers with altered lyrics to advocate for Magdum's visa.

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This case really caught my attention because they knew that they had people with talent, they knew they had people with an idea, but they let the fame come before the recognition of the ability.

Jonathan Grode, an immigration lawyer who assisted the band, noted the unique nature of the case. "This case really caught my attention because they knew that they had people with talent, they knew they had people with an idea, but they let the fame come before the recognition of the ability," Grode told The Guardian. He highlighted the case's implications for understanding how fame is created and recognized in the digital age.

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It fundamentally begs the question of: how is fame created?