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Dilin Nair[a] (born 16 November 1988), better known by his stage name Raftaar, is an Indian rapper, lyricist, music producer, composer, dancer, actor and TV personality associated with Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi music.

Key Information

Early and personal life

[edit]

Kalathil Kuzhiyil Devadasan Dilin Nair[a] was born on 16 November 1988 to a Delhi-based Malayali couple in Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala.[3][4][5] Raftaar married Komal Vohra, the sister of Indian television actors Karan Vohra and Kunal Vohra, in December 2016.[6][7] They filed for a divorce in 2020 and have been living separately. The legal proceedings were delayed due to COVID-pandemic and were finalised on 6 October 2022.[8][9]

On 31 January 2025, Raftaar married fashion stylist, actress and model Manraj Jawanda in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in traditional Malayali and Sikh wedding ceremonies.[10][11][12]

Career

[edit]

2008-2012: Early career, Mafia Mundeer and Dance India Dance

[edit]

Raftaar initially began his music career by making tracks with his childhood friends and fellow rappers Ikka and Lil Golu. After a while of making tracks and uploading them online, Yo Yo Honey Singh heard a track on Orkut which was uploaded by the trio, then known as The Black Wall Street Desi's. Singh reached out to the three youngsters and invited them to his studio in Okhla, Delhi. According to Ikka on his track "Interview", Singh worked with the three youngsters while also giving them stage names; "Young Amli" for Ikka, "Raftaar" for Dilin who went by the name OniMaxxx/Max and "Lil Golu" for Sahil who had the nickname Golu. Some of his collaborations with Singh include "Kamli Kamli" featuring Rimz J and "Sharabia".[13] Raftaar also started his career as a dancer, as Max and participated in a reality TV show Dance India Dance in 2011, in 'DID Double' along with a friend named Manik.[14]

In the meantime, Raftaar split from Mafia Mundeer due to credit-related problems, most notably involving the dispute related to the track "Dope Shope" from Singh's album, International Villager.[15] He appeared in the music video for a few seconds and alleged that his scenes were also cut.[16]

2012-2017: The Titans, Swag Mera Desi and mainstream break-out

[edit]

After the split, he then formed a group 'The Titans' with Badshah and Sachit Takkar (Sachh). They produced many songs together in the Punjabi music industry and Bollywood together.[17][18]

Raftaar became widely known and recognised after releasing his song "Swag Mera Desi" in 2013 with Manj Musik. The line "Ab yeh karke dikhao" (transl. Now try to do this) from the song was interpreted as a subliminal directed towards Yo Yo Honey Singh,[19] who used the phrase in his song "Party With The Bhoothnath" which led to a dispute between the two rappers in media.[20] "Swag Mera Desi" won Best Urban Song at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards in 2014.[21]

The next year, he skyrocketed to mainstream popularity with the songs, "All Black", with Sukhe and Jaani,[22], as well as the song "Toh Dishoom" from the 2016 film Dishoom.[23][24]

2017-2020: KALAMKAAR, debut album and collaborations

[edit]

In 2017, Raftaar debuted in the Bengali music industry through the film One which featured singer Vishal Dadlani and Raftaar.[25] In the same year, he founded the record label KALAMKAAR, alongside Ankit Khanna, signing a variety of acts, such as KR$NA, Rashmeet Kaur, Deep Kalsi, Karma, Yunan and Harjas Harjaayi.[26] He also produced and rapped a song for the Chaamp soundtrack.[27] He released his debut album, Zero To Infinity, the following year in May.[28]

In tha same year in September, Raftaar appeared on a podcast with Raaj Jones, where he questioned if fellow rapper Emiway Bantai was generating enough revenue from hip-hop. The statement was taken out of context and resulted in Emiway dropping "Samajh Mein Aaya Kya", targeting Raftaar and refuting his claims that Emiway wasn’t earning much yet, and further added that he eventually would build an empire of his own. Raftaar responded with his own track, "Sheikh Chilli", where he called out Emiway for taking the statement out of context and dissected his false claims. Emiway responded again with "Giraftaar", which prompted Raftaar to respond with the song "Anime Hentai" (now known as Awein Hai).[29] This paved the way for a wave of commercialisation in the genre, as many Indian rappers claimed to have benefitted from the publicity from a credit standpoint. It also gave rise to many other publicised beefs taking place.[30]

Raftaar collaborated with Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan for the second edition of Breezer Vivid Shuffle in 2019,[31] and in the same year, he started judging the reality shows MTV Hustle, Dance India Dance and MTV Roadies. The next year, he released his second album, Mr. Nair, through Zee Music Company, featuring his labelmates KR$NA, Rashmeet Kaur, Deep Kalsi, Karma, Yunan, and Harjas Harjaayi among others.[32]

2020-present: Further collaborations and HARD DRIVE Vol.1 & Vol.2

[edit]

Over the next few years, Raftaar, continued to collaborate with various upcoming Desi hip-hop artists like Shah Rule, MC Stan, Seedhe Maut, King, on singles and also, on a collaborative EP with Prabh Deep, titled PRAA, in addition to releasing his own projects, most notably the HARD DRIVE Vol. 1, and its sequel, in 2022 and 2024, respectively.[33][34]

He was seen as a guest judge on 2 episodes of India's Got Latent in 2024 and returned to judge the fourth season of MTV Hustle, after being absent from the previous two seasons.[35] In 2025, he participated in the reality show The Traitors as a contestant, until he was eliminated in the sixth episode.[36]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Zero To Infinity (2018)[37]
  • Mr. Nair (2020)[32]
Year Album Track Artist(s) Producer(s)
2018 Zero to Infinity Baby Marvake Maanegi Raftaar Blackout
Saare Karo Dab Raftaar, Sonu Kakkar & Muhfaad Raftaar
Gaddi Raftaar & Deep Kalsi Deep Kalsi
Gall Goriye Raftaar & Maninder Buttar Raftaar
Jean Teri Raftaar, Jaz Dhami & Deep Kalsi Deep Kalsi
Lonely Raftaar, Mehabin Raftaar
Mundeya Di Mautt Raftaar & Yunan Raftaar
Woh Chori Raftaar & Jyotica Tangri Raftaar
2020 Mr. Nair Me And My Pen Raftaar ft. Shah Rule Raftaar & Shah Rule
Dilli Waali Baatcheet Raftaar Raftaar
Main Wahi Hoon Raftaar ft. Karma Raftaar
Damn Raftaar ft. KR$NA Raftaar
Sick Raftaar ft. Yunan Mehabin & Raftaar
Drama Raftaar Tom Enzy & Raftaar
Beshaq Raftaar ft. Yunan AAKASH, Yunan & Raftaar
Feeling You Raftaar ft. Deep Kalsi AAKASH & Raftaar
Haan Raftaar ft. Harjas Harjaayi & Rashmeet Kaur Saurabh Lokhande & Raftaar
Move Raftaar Saurabh Lokhande
Bottal Wargi Raftaar ft. Jordan Sandhu Deep Kalsi
Naachne Ka Shaunq Raftaar ft. Brodha V Tom Enzy
Superman Raftaar ft. Manj Musik INSTINE, Raftaar & Manj Musik
Popular Raftaar AAKASH & Raftaar
Down Raftaar ft. KR$NA Lavito Beats, Tom Enzy & Raftaar
Proud Raftaar Tom Enzy & Raftaar

EPs and Mixtapes

[edit]
  • WTF Mixtape: Vol. 1 (2013-14) (unreleased)
  • BAR'ISH EP (2020–21) (unreleased)
  • HARD DRIVE Vol.1 (EP) (2022) [38]
  • PRAA (EP) (2023)[39]
  • HARD DRIVE Vol.2 (EP) (2024)[40]
Year EP Track Artist(s) Producer(s)
2020-21 BAR'ISH EP Microphone Check Raftaar SCARY'P
Tu Phir Se Aana Raftaar ft. Salim Merchant & Karma Raftaar, Salim Merchant & Saurabh Lokhande
Black Sheep Raftaar Boger
Goat Dekho Raftaar Allrounda Beats
2022 HARD DRIVE Vol. 1 ICE Raftaar DXOR
F16 Raftaar ft. Sikander Kahlon Harm Sandhu
GANGNUM Raftaar ft. Deep Kalsi Raftaar
NO CHINA Raftaar ft. KR$NA Raftaar & Frisk
36 Raftaar ft. Karma Track PROS
RAASHAH Raftaar ft. Badshah YoungWilly
JASHAN-E-HIP-HOP Raftaar ft. Faris Shafi Umair
2023 PRAA ABBU Raftaar & Prabh Deep Tonybasu
BADNAAM Lambo Drive
HELLO Anywaywell
TRAP PRAA Umair
2024 HARD DRIVE Vol. 2 MERA PARICHAY Raftaar ft. Sikander Kahlon MUSAGOTMOTION, Instine
DEHSHAT HO Raftaar ft. Yashraj Lonely Boy, LODONI, Phenom
RAP-TA Raftaar Phenom
REAL SHIT Raftaar Sez on the Baet
MUNDE HOOD DE Raftaar ft. Karma Raftaar
BAAWE Raftaar ft. Badshah Hiten
ADVICE Raftaar ft. Deep Kalsi DRJ Sohail
BANJO BOUNCE Raftaar ft. EPR Iyer DreddAf
ME AND MY BROSKI Raftaar ft. Ikka Sez on the Beat

Singles and collaborations

[edit]
Year Track Artist(s) Producer(s) Note(s)
2009 Sharaabia Preet Harpal, Raftaar, Yo Yo Honey Singh Honey Singh From the album The Lock Up by Preet Harpal
Gadbad Raftaar, Ikka, Lil Golu, Yo Yo Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
2010 Kamli Kamli Rimz J ft. Raftaar, Yo Yo Honey Singh From the album The Rising Queen by Rimz J
Sadko Pe Khaali Peeli Firta Mai Raftaar, Yo Yo Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
2012 Bottle Deep Money ft. Raftaar The Titans From the album Born Star by Deep Money
Majnu
Tere Pichchhe
Sugar
2013 You Don't Know Me Raftaar Raftaar From WTF Mixtape: Vol 1
Thappad Samples Send It Up by Kanye West
2014 Swag Mera Desi Raftaar & Manj Musik Manj Musik Panasonic Mobile MTV Spoken Word
Happy Single B.I.G Dhillon & Raftaar Raftaar
Sniper Sukh-E & Raftaar Sukh-E
FU (For You) Raftaar Samples 8 Mile (Bootleg) by Eminem From WTF Mixtape: Vol 1
BBM Nindy Kaur & Raftaar Three Records RDB (Rhythm Dhol Bass)
Gal Mitro
2015 All Black Mehabin and Raftaar Sukh-E and Raftaar
Desi Hip Hop Manj Musik, Raxstar, Roach Killa, Humble The Poet, Badshah, BIG Dhillon, Sarb Smooth & Raftaar Manj Musik Panasonic Mobile MTV Spoken Word
Stand Up Manj Musik, Big Dhillon & Raftaar Manj Musik, O2 & SRK
Mombatiye Zohaib Amjad, Raftaar & Manj Musik Manj Musik
Allah Veh Manj Musik, Raftaar & Jashan Singh Manj Musik & Sunny Brown
Billo Hai Sahara, Manj Musik & Raftaar Manj Musik
2016 Nazar Battu Anthem Nazar Battu, Abhi Payla & Raftaar D Chandu[41]
Chandigarh Rehn Waaliye Jenny Johal, Raftaar & Bunty Bains Desi Crew
TVF's CUTE Vol. 1 Raftaar Raftaar Promotional track for Vodafone
Lak Hilaade Manj Musik, Amy Jackson & Raftaar Manj Musik, O2 & SRK
Do Hazaar Solo Raftaar Raftaar Introduction track for the album Zero To Infinity
Saroor Resham Singh Anmol & Raftaar Desi Crew
Instagram Love Raftaar ft. Kappie Raftaar Promotional track for Vodafone
2017 Mera Highway Star Tulsi Kumar & Raftaar Sanjay Rajee
Can't Stop The Party Noopsta, Raftaar & Humble The Poet Manj Musik
Baby Marvake Maanegi Raftaar Blackout
Tere Wargi Nai Ae Raftaar
#SADAK Emiway Bantai ft. Raftaar PSYIK
Shuffle Track 2.0 (Live Life in Color) Raftaar ft. Fejo Promotional track for Breezer Vivid Shuffle
2018 Sheikh Chilli Raftaar Raftaar & Instine Diss track aimed at Emiway Bantai
Awein Hai Raftaar Frisk
Ready For My Vyah (Shaadi Anthem) Deep Kalsi, Akriti Kakar & Raftaar Deep Kalsi
2019 Khainch Le Quashh Raftaar & Shivi Arkane
2020 Aage Chal Raftaar Saurabh Lokhande
Thoda Rahul Sathu & Raftaar Rahul Sathu
Naiyyo Akasa Singh and Raftaar Stego & Vinay Vyas
Saath Ya Khilaaf KR$NA ft. Raftaar Tay On The Track
Mask On Raftaar ft. Karma, Rashmeet Kaur & Yunan GMP Sound Raftaar& Mehabin
Angaar Ikka ft. Raftaar Sez on the Beat From the album I by Ikka
Tu Phir Se Aana Raftaar ft. Salim Merchant & Karma Raftaar
Click Pow Get Down Raftaar Promotional track for Epic Games
2021 Saza-E-Maut KR$NA ft. Raftaar Rill Beats & Young Grape Beatz From the album Still Here by KR$NA
Ghana Kasoota Raftaar & Rashmeet Kaur ft. Surbhi Jyoti Avvy Sra Mehabin
Barbaad Raftaar and Afsana Khan Salim–Sulaiman From Bhoomi 2021
Say My Name Smokey the Ghost ft. Raftaar & Sikander Kahlon Kdllac From the album The Human Nation by Smokey the Ghost
2022 RATATA Raftaar Artem grigoryan Promotional track for PUBG: New State Mobile
Load Hai Raftaar ft. Yunan Hiten Sony Music Company
How to Hate MC STΔN ft. Raftaar MC STΔN From the album Insaan by MC STΔN
Nahi Hai Woh Shah Rule ft. MC Altaf & Raftaar Stunnah Beatz
IMAGE Deep Kalsi ft. Raftaar Mehabin From the EP WINNERSCIRCLE by Deep Kalsi
Kaali Car Raftaar & Asees Kaur Mehabin
Shringaar[42] Vayu, Aastha Gill & Akasa Singh ft. Raftaar Vaibhav Pani
Top Off Ikka ft. Raftaar & Mehabin Byg Byrd From the album Nishu by Ikka
Speed Se Badho Raftaar Raftaar
Never Back Down Raftaar Kofeina
2023 Tajurba Prabh Deep ft. Raftaar Lambo Drive From the album Bhram (Deluxe) by Prabh Deep
Teray Naam Hasan Raheem ft. Raftaar Shahrukh From the EP it's Love
Phone Mila Ke Raftaar & Akasa Singh Mehabin & Saurabh Lokhande
Bigg Boss OTT 2 - Official Anthem Raftaar JioCinema, Endemol Shine India Promotional track for Bigg Boss OTT 2
Legacy Raftaar KSHMR From the album "KARAM"
No Mercy Raftaar X KR$NA X Karma X Mehabin Deep Kalsi From the album "TUNNEL VISION"
Woh Ratt Raftaar ft. KR$NA lejJA Released on Raftaar's birthday
2024 Like a Snake Badshah ft. Raftaar x Aastha Gill Hiten From the album Ek Tha Raja by Badshah
Morni Raftaar X Sukh-E ft Bhumika Sharma Mehabin Video featuring Moroccan model Soundous Moufakir
WARCRY King, Raftaar Riz Shain From the album "MONOPOLY MOVES" by King
Karta Kya Hai Karma X Raftaar Bharg From the EP "How Much a Rhyme Costs" by Karma
MTV Hustle Season 4- Official Anthem Raftaar, Ikka Aditya Pushkarna
Gourmet Shit! Raftaar, Seedhe Maut Calm From the EP "Kshama" by Seedhe Maut
2025 Farebi Raftaar, Chaar Diwaari Chaar Diwaari
Buss Down KRSNA, Raftaar Sana, M61 From the mixtape "Yours Truly" by KR$NA

Film music

[edit]
Year Film / Series Track Co-singer(s) Composer(s) Lyricist(s) Note(s)
2013 Bullet Raja Tamanchey Pe Disco Nindy Kaur, Manj Musik, RDB RDB, Manj Musik Raftaar Hindi film
2014 Heropanti Whistle Baja Manj Musik, Nindy Kaur Manj Musik, Laxmikant Pyarelal
The Puppy Song Manj Musik Manj Musik
Fugly Dhup Chik Badshah, Aastha Gill Raftaar
Dr. Cabbie Dal Makhni Manj Musik Manj Musik Manj Musik, Raftaar
2015 Gabbar Is Back Warna Gabbar Aa Jayega Manj Musik, Raftaar, Big Dhillon
Singh Is Bliing Singh and Kaur Manj Musik, Nindy Kaur Manj Musik, Nindy Kaur, Raftaar, Big Dhillon
2016 Baaghi Let's Talk About Love Neha Kakkar Raftaar, Shabbir Khan
A Flying Jatt A Flying Jatt Title Track Mansheel Gujral, Tanishkaa Sachin–Jigar Vayu, Raftaar
Dishoom Toh Dishoom Shahid Mallya Pritam Mayur Puri
Dangal Dhaakad Amitabh Bhattacharya
Beiimaan Love Mar Gaye Manj Musik, Nindy Kaur Manj Musik Raftaar
Tum Bin II Ki Kariye Nachna Aaonda Nahin Hardy Sandhu, Neha Kakkar Gourov-Roshin Kumaar
2017 One One Title Track Vishal Dadlani Arindam Chatterjee Prosen Bengali film
Chaamp Dekho Dekho Chaamp Raftaar
Kaabil Haseeno Ka Deewana (Remake) Payal Dev Gourov-Roshin, Rajesh Roshan Kumaar, Anjaan Hindi film
Commando 2 Hare Krishna Hare Ram (Remake) Armaan Malik, Ritika Gourov-Roshin, Pritam Kumaar
Jolly LLB 2 Go Pagal Nindy Kaur Manj Musik Manj Musik, Raftaar
Raabta Sadda Move Diljit Dosanjh, Pradeep Singh Sran Pritam Amitabh Bhattacharya, Irshad Kamil
Behen Hogi Teri Jaanu (Remake) Juggy D, Shivi Rishi Rich, R. D. Burman Anand Bakshi, Raftaar
A Gentleman Bandook Meri Laila Ash King, Sachin–Jigar, Sidharth Malhotra Sachin–Jigar Vayu
The Final Exit Dum Maro Dum Maro Neha Kakkar, Yasser Desai Amjad-Nadeem Amjad-Nadeem, Raftaar
Lucknow Central Teen Kabootar Mohit Chauhan, Divya Kumar Arjunna Harjaie Kumaar, Raftaar
Fukrey Returns Mehbooba (Remake) Neha Kakkar, Yasser Desai, Mohammed Rafi Prem-Hardeep Kumaar
Tu Mera Bhai Nahi Hai Gandharv Sachdev Sumeet-Bellary Satya Khare, Raftaar
Tiger Zinda Hai Zinda Hai Sukhwinder Singh Vishal–Shekhar, Julius Packiam Irshad Kamil
2018 Manto Mantoiyat Nawazuddin Siddiqui Raftaar Raftaar, Saadat Hasan Manto
Andhadhun Andhadhun Title Track Raftaar, Girish Nakod
Bhaiaji Superhit Naam Hai Bhaiaji Amit Mishra Sanjeev–Darshan, Neerraj Pathak Sanjeev Chaturvedi, Neerraj Pathak
Om Namah Shivay Sukhwinder Singh, Raghav Sachar, Akanksha Sharma Raghav Sachar Shabbir Ahmed
2019 Setters Kartootein Salim–Sulaiman, Sukhwinder SIngh
2020 Darbar Thalaiva In Charge Yogi B Anirudh Ravichander Raftaar, Yogi B, Senthuzhan, Syan
Love Aaj Kal Parmeshwara Pritam Irshad Kamil
2021 99 Songs Nayi Nayi Shashwat Singh A. R. Rahman Navneet Virk, Raftaar
Pagglait Pagglait Amrita Singh, Arijit Singh Arijit Singh Neelesh Misra
Sherni Main Sherni Akasa Singh Utkarsh Ghatekar Raghav
2022 The Great Indian Murder Raskala Umang Doshi Shloke Lal, Ashwath Bobo
Janhit Mein Jaari Janhit Mein Jaari Title Track Nakash Aziz Prini Sidhant Madhav Raaj Shaandilyaa
Vikram (D) Badle Badle (Rap Extended Version) Kamal Haasan Anirudh Ravichander Anirudh Ravichander, Raqueeb Alam
2023 Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan Yentamma Vishal Dadlani, Payal Dev Payal Dev Shabbir Ahmed
12th Fail "Restart" (Rap) Shantanu Moitra Swanand Kirkire, Raftaar
"Restart" (Rap 'N' Folk) Swanand Kirkire, Shaan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shantanu Moitra
2024 Shaitaan "Aisa Main Shaitaan" Amit Trivedi Kumaar

Television roles

[edit]
Year Show Channel Role Note(s)
2011 Dance India Dance Doubles Zee TV Contestant
2015 Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded Colors TV Contestant 9th place
2018 Lockdown ZEE5 [43][44]
Roadies Xtreme MTV Gang Leader
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! &TV Himself Guest
2019 Roadies: Real Heroes MTV Gang Leader Winner
Dance India Dance: Battle of the Champions Zee TV Judge
MTV Hustle MTV Major role in development of the

show.

2020 Roadies: Revolution MTV Gang Leader Replaced by Varun Sood as Raftaar had to leave the show midway for release of his album Mr. Nair.
2023 Bajao JioCinema Babbar
2024 MTV Hustle: Hip Hop Don't Stop MTV, JioCinema Judge Was seen on the panel in Season 1 and Season 4
2024 India's Got Latent YouTube Guest Judge Was seen in Episode 1 and a later unreleased episode
2025 The Traitors Prime Video Contestant 13th place

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Raftaar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raftaar, whose real name is , is an Indian rapper, lyricist, singer, , , dancer, , and television personality. Born on November 16, 1988, in , , to a Malayali family, he relocated to at the age of two and grew up in a middle-class household where his father worked as a and his early jobs included sales at a retail outlet. Raftaar began his career in the industry as a background dancer in Bollywood films and gained initial recognition through participation in the dance reality show Dance India Dance Doubles in 2011 alongside partner Manik. Transitioning to , he adopted the stage name "Raftaar," derived from the word for "speed," reflecting his rapid-fire rap delivery style, and started writing and performing in Haryanvi, Punjabi, and . His breakthrough came in the early as a founding member of the Delhi-based rap collective Mafia Mundeer, which included artists like Ikka, Lil Golu, , and Badshah, producing tracks such as "Dope Shope" that blended hip-hop with influences. After leaving the group in 2012 amid creative disputes, Raftaar pursued a solo career, releasing his debut WTF (Witness The Future) and achieving mainstream success with the 2013 single "Swag Mera Desi," a collaboration with that won the Best Urban Song award at the 2014 Brit Asia TV Music Awards. Expanding beyond music, Raftaar has judged popular reality shows including , Roadies, and , while making acting cameos and contributing soundtracks to Bollywood films like Dangal (2016), (2017), and (2018). In 2019, he co-founded the independent record label Kalamkaar with Ankit Khanna, signing emerging hip-hop talents such as KR$NA and Karma, and partnering with to promote independent Indian rap. On a personal note, Raftaar married Komal Vohra in 2018, but the couple divorced in 2021; he wed fashion stylist Manraj Jawanda in a traditional South Indian ceremony in on January 31, 2025. Known for his versatile contributions to Indian hip-hop's mainstream evolution, Raftaar continues to influence the genre through collaborations, tracks, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Dilin Nair, better known by his stage name Raftaar, was born on November 16, 1988, in , , to Malayali parents K. K. Devdasan and Lalitha Nair. His parents, who resided in , had returned to their native specifically for his birth to establish a Malayali identity for their son. The family belonged to the and lived modestly in a one-room apartment in Delhi's area, shared with several other families. Nair's father worked as a cleaner for the , while his mother was employed as a typist. As their , he grew up in this environment, which shaped his early sense of resilience amid limited resources. During his childhood, Nair exhibited restlessness and hyperactivity, leading to frequent changes—up to six times—and a general disinterest in academics. He also faced in for his family's modest means, such as wearing shabby shoes, and from teachers, contributing to his frequent changes. Despite these challenges, his formative years in laid the groundwork for his later pursuits in performance, though his roots remained a point of cultural pride for his family.

Education and early influences

Raftaar, born on 16 November 1988 in , , to a Malayali based in , relocated to the capital with his parents shortly after his birth to access better opportunities. He completed his schooling in , attending multiple institutions including Public School, Sachdeva Public School in Rohini, and Shiva Shiksha Sadan in , , amid a culturally diverse environment shaped by his family's roots at home and the dynamic urban life outside. This period marked the beginning of his exposure to music and performance, as he navigated a hyperactive childhood that fostered self-reliance. Raftaar's early influences stemmed from Bollywood music and Western hip-hop, which he encountered via broadcasts and peers during his school years. A key turning point occurred in class 9 when a friend lent him an of , igniting his fascination with rap through Mike Shinoda's fusion of singing and rapping; he subsequently drew from Eminem's lyrical intensity and The Game's storytelling. After completing his schooling, Raftaar enrolled at in , where he earned a in computer applications. To contribute to his family's support, he worked as a salesman in starting around 2006, earning about ₹10,000 monthly, while channeling resources toward formal training in the mid-2000s. These experiences solidified his resolve to transform his hobbies into a professional path, blending with emerging rap aspirations.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Raftaar began a romantic relationship with actress Komal Vohra, sister of television actors Karan and Kunal Vohra, around 2011, which lasted nearly a decade until they filed for divorce in 2020, which was finalized on October 6, 2022. The couple, who had been dating for five years, got engaged in November 2016 at The Taj in New Delhi, an event that drew media attention and was attended by close industry friends such as rapper Badshah. They followed this with a wedding on December 1, 2016, in an intimate ceremony, honeymooning in Paris shortly after. Throughout their relationship, Raftaar and Vohra made several public appearances together, including at events and on social media, where they shared moments from their mehendi ceremony and other celebrations. Rumors of separation had surfaced around 2021 when Vohra removed photos of them from her social media. On January 31, 2025, Raftaar married fashion stylist, actress, and model Manraj Jawanda in a private, low-key ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, incorporating both traditional South Indian (Malayali) and Sikh rituals. The event was attended by a small circle of close family members and industry friends, emphasizing intimacy over grandeur, with the couple sharing select photos on social media capturing the joyous moments. Prior to their marriage, Jawanda had collaborated professionally with Raftaar, styling several of his music videos such as "Kaali Car," "Ghana Kasoota," "Raskala," and "Shringaar," which highlighted their aligned creative interests in music and fashion. As of November 2025, Raftaar and Jawanda have , and the couple continues to balance their personal life with shared passions in the industry, including Jawanda's work as a fitness enthusiast and .

Philanthropy and interests

Raftaar has engaged in several charitable initiatives, particularly supporting artists and communities affected by the . In May 2020, he participated in the second edition of 'Chess for Charity', a live-streamed event aimed at providing financial aid to background dancers who lost income due to lockdowns. This virtual effort highlighted his commitment to aiding fellow performers during crises. Beyond professional support, Raftaar maintains a disciplined fitness regimen to sustain his high-energy performances. He incorporates portable equipment like ab wheels, resistance bands, and hollow weights into his routine, alongside activities such as , , and sprinting for cardiovascular . Raftaar is an avid sneaker collector, amassing one of the most notable collections among Indian rappers, featuring high-end pairs from luxury brands like and Nike. His passion for sneakers extends to custom designs, including collaborations with artists for personalized that blends with hip-hop . As a native, Raftaar has contributed to elevating South Indian influences within the predominantly North Indian-dominated desi hip-hop scene, advocating for diverse regional voices through his versatile lyricism and collaborations.

Career

2008–2012: Early beginnings with Mafia Mundeer and

In 2008, Raftaar, then known as Dilin Nair, entered the Indian hip-hop scene by joining the Delhi-based underground group Mafia Mundeer, formed by along with members including Ikka, Lil Golu, and Badshah. The group emerged from the burgeoning rap and urban music culture in , where Raftaar had moved to pursue dance and music opportunities after his early training. Mafia Mundeer focused on Punjabi and rap tracks, blending street-style lyrics with beats influenced by international hip-hop. The group's debut came in with the track "Showtime," featuring Raftaar's early rap verse, which showcased his rapid flow and marked his initial foray into professional recording as part of a mixtape-style release shared online and in underground circles. They followed with several freestyles and songs like "Gadbad," building a in North India's hip-hop community through performances at local events and early digital platforms. However, internal tensions arose over creative credits and songwriting contributions, leading to Raftaar's departure from Mafia Mundeer in 2012 amid disputes, particularly highlighted in later reflections on unequal recognition within the group. Seeking greater visibility, Raftaar participated as a contestant in Doubles in 2011, performing under the stage name "Max" alongside partner Manik Paul and competing with a unique fusion of hip-hop dance and rap elements. They advanced in the competition, impressing judges with routines that integrated his skills into , which helped him gain national exposure beyond the underground scene and solidified his reputation as a multifaceted performer. His performances, often featuring high-energy moves synced to custom rap verses, highlighted the potential of rap-dance hybrids in mainstream Indian entertainment. Following his time on Dance India Dance Doubles, Raftaar began experimenting with solo rap projects while taking on freelance choreography gigs for television advertisements and music videos in 2011–2012, allowing him to hone his production skills and build industry connections independently. These early solo efforts included unpublished tracks and collaborations on minor projects, laying the groundwork for his transition away from group dynamics toward individual artistry in the evolving desi hip-hop landscape.

2013–2016: Solo transition, Swag Mera Desi, and rising fame

Following his departure from the group Mafia Mundeer, Raftaar embarked on a solo career in 2013, independently releasing his debut WTF – Witness The Future. The project featured tracks like "" and "You Don't Know Me," highlighting his rapid-fire delivery and desi-infused lyrics, marking a shift toward establishing his individual identity in Indian hip-hop. Raftaar's breakthrough arrived with the single "Swag Mera Desi," released on June 22, 2014, in collaboration with under the Panasonic Mobile Spoken Word banner. The track, with its bold hook and perceived subliminal disses toward —particularly the line "Ab yeh karke dikhao"—quickly went viral, amassing over 1 million views on within months and solidifying Raftaar's reputation for confrontational, street-smart rap. The song's success fueled Raftaar's escalating feud with Honey Singh, rooted in earlier creative disputes over credits and , which played out publicly through media and but did not lead to new collaborations during this period. Instead, Raftaar focused on building momentum through shares and high-energy live shows across Delhi-NCR venues, where his performances drew growing crowds and cemented his energetic stage presence. By 2016, Raftaar released "Chill Raamix," a laid-back yet introspective track paying tribute to fallen artist JB, which resonated with fans via and further showcased his versatility in blending desi hip-hop with personal storytelling. His rising profile during these years earned him the enduring nickname "King of Desi Hip-Hop" for pioneering mainstream appeal in the genre through viral hits and regional tours.

2017–2019: KALAMKAAR release, collaborations, and industry breakthrough

In 2018, Raftaar co-founded the independent music Kalamkaar alongside Ankit Khanna, aiming to nurture emerging hip-hop talent in . The quickly became a platform for artists like KR$NA and Karma, signing them to develop and release music that blended desi hip-hop with contemporary production techniques. This venture marked Raftaar's transition from performer to industry influencer, providing resources for up-and-coming rappers while allowing him to oversee creative output under a structured banner. Raftaar's debut studio , Zero to Infinity, arrived in May 2018 under , featuring eight tracks that showcased his signature rapid-fire delivery and fusion of Punjabi and rap elements. The included collaborations with vocalists like Jaz Dhami on "Jean Teri" and on "Sare Karo Dab," highlighting Raftaar's ability to integrate melodic hooks with gritty lyrics about ambition and street life. Standout singles such as "Baby Marvake Maanegi," featuring dancer and choreographer in its video, gained traction through viral dance challenges and amassed millions of streams, solidifying Raftaar's appeal in the commercial music space. During this period, Raftaar deepened his ties to Bollywood, contributing rap verses to high-profile soundtracks that bridged underground hip-hop with mainstream cinema. In 2017, he featured on "Bandook Meri Laila" from the film , rapping alongside and blending electronic beats with action-oriented themes to enhance the movie's energetic vibe. The following year, his verse on "Naina da Kya Kasoor" for —a thriller starring —infused suspenseful storytelling with rhythmic wordplay, earning praise for elevating the genre's fusion potential. These contributions helped popularize hip-hop's "mainstream vibe" in Bollywood, as Raftaar noted in interviews, by making rap accessible to wider audiences through film narratives. Raftaar's role as a judge on MTV Hustle Season 1 in 2019 further cemented his breakthrough status, positioning him as a mentor in India's burgeoning rap scene. Premiering on August 9 and hosted by Gaelyn Mendonca, the show featured Raftaar alongside Nucleya and Raja Kumari, evaluating aspiring rappers on originality and flow, which helped democratize hip-hop talent discovery on television. His judging stint not only boosted the visibility of desi rap but also aligned with Kalamkaar's mission, as several contestants drew inspiration from the label's roster. Commercially, this era saw Raftaar secure endorsement deals and perform at sold-out live shows across India, reflecting the growing demand for his high-energy performances that mixed rap battles with crowd-pleasing anthems.

2020–2023: BAR'ISH EP, HARD DRIVE volumes, and global outreach

In 2020, amid the , Raftaar adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by participating in several to maintain fan engagement. He joined initiatives like Radio City's "Concert From Home," which featured over 100 artists across 39 stations, and the "One Nation" virtual gig organized to support relief efforts, alongside performers such as Badshah and . Additionally, he headlined OPPO's first online music in September 2020, performing alongside to deliver live sets remotely. Following the success of his 2018 album Zero to , Raftaar announced the BAR'ISH EP in mid-2020, with snippets teasing a release in August, though only four tracks—"Microphone Check," "Tu Phir Se Aana" featuring Karma and Salim Merchant, "," and "GOAT Dekho"—were released progressively into 2021 before the project was scrapped. The tracks blended introspective lyrics with high-energy production. "," released in February 2021, inspired an official of the same name, highlighting Raftaar's innovative approach to fan interaction during restricted live events. In November 2022, Raftaar surprise-dropped HARD DRIVE Vol. 1, a seven-track EP marking his 34th birthday and showcasing experimental beats with rapid-fire flows exploring themes of ambition, pop culture, and personal grit. The featured collaborations with Indian hip-hop artists including KR$NA on "No ," Karma on "36," and Sikander Kahlon on "F16," emphasizing technical prowess over commercial hooks and solidifying his role in evolving rap. Raftaar expanded his global outreach during this period through strategic partnerships and performances. In January 2021, his label Kalamkaar signed a distribution deal with Paris-based Believe, enabling wider international streaming and artist services for independent hip-hop acts. This facilitated his music's availability on platforms like Spotify, where curated playlists such as "This Is Raftaar" highlighted his catalog to global audiences. He also performed in the US, including a high-energy set at the Naach Di Cleveland event in April 2022, connecting with the diaspora. Culminating the era, Raftaar collaborated with Karan Kanchan on Adidas' "3 Ka Dream" anthem for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, featuring stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to rally over a billion fans toward India's third ODI victory.

2024–present: Recent performances, new collaborations, and ongoing projects

In 2024 and 2025, Raftaar continued to expand his live performance footprint, blending his rap prowess with high-profile events that fused and sports. He delivered a high-energy performance at the (DPL) 2025 opening ceremony on August 2 at Stadium, joining forces with artists like KRSNA, , and to kick off the cricket season with a mix of hip-hop tracks and event anthems, captivating a live audience and drawing widespread online buzz for its vibrant energy. Earlier in the year, he electrified the crowd at 2025 alongside KRSNA, delivering a storming set that highlighted his enduring influence in the desi hip-hop scene. These appearances underscored his post-pandemic return to stages, including college fests like Pillai's Alegria in September 2024 and festivals such as the Orange Festival of Adventure & in late 2025. Raftaar also weighed in publicly on cultural controversies, offering measured commentary during interviews amid the backlash surrounding the YouTube show India's Got Latent. In February 2025, he addressed the uproar over derogatory remarks by guest Ranveer Allahbadia, stating that "people often enjoy seeing successful people fail," while critiquing the rapid cycle of media-driven and its impact on creators. This reflection aligned with his broader advocacy for extracting educational value from hip-hop's competitive elements, like diss tracks, emphasizing growth over toxicity in the genre. On the collaboration front, Raftaar linked up with longtime peer Badshah for the track "BAAWE" on his Hard Drive, Vol. 2 EP, released on November 16, 2024, but with the official video dropping in January 2025, featuring comedian for a humorous twist that amplified its viral reach. The project, comprising nine tracks with contributions from producers like Phenom and Sana, explored gritty themes and marked a continuation of his series, including a feature on KRSNA's "BUSS DOWN" in May 2025. Looking ahead, Raftaar has teased further expansions in digital spaces, building on his early adoption of for fees since 2021 to explore blockchain-integrated music releases, though specifics remain under wraps as of late 2025. Raftaar's ongoing projects reflect his commitment to nurturing Indian hip-hop, including roles in community-driven initiatives and performances that promote genre . In September 2025, he headlined a show in , , engaging local audiences and aspiring artists, which ties into his calls for focusing on hip-hop's constructive aspects amid its mainstream evolution. While no full studio album has been confirmed for late 2025, his involvement in workshops and online battles continues to position him as a pivotal figure in hip-hop's educational outreach in regions like .

Musical style and artistry

Influences and evolution

Raftaar's musical influences draw heavily from Western hip-hop legends, particularly and , whose raw lyricism and narrative depth inspired his approach to rhyme schemes and emotional delivery. His early exposure to Indian hip-hop came through , whose fusion of Punjabi beats with rap provided a blueprint for commercial desi hip-hop; Raftaar debuted on Honey Singh's 2009 track "Beer Bar," crediting it as a pivotal entry into the scene. Raftaar's style began with aggressive street rap during his 2008–2012 tenure with Mafia Mundeer, featuring rapid-fire flows and battle-oriented bravado influenced by American gangsta culture like the and . This evolved into more melodic elements by 2018 with the release of his debut Zero to Infinity, where he emphasized singable hooks alongside rap verses to broaden accessibility, preceding the 2019 founding of his label Kalamkaar. The HARD DRIVE series, starting with Vol. 1 in 2022 and continuing with Vol. 2 in 2024, marked further progression, integrating trap rhythms and EDM production for a high-energy, global fusion sound that includes collaborations with artists like Sez on the Beat and Phenom. In self-reflective interviews, Raftaar has described his artistic maturation as a transition from "" battle raps focused on bravado to authentic rooted in real-life experiences, including social issues like urban struggles and personal migration narratives in his 2020s work. This shift reflects a conscious effort to infuse desi hip-hop with deeper commentary, moving beyond party anthems. Critics have lauded Raftaar for effectively bridging regional Indian flavors with international hip-hop trends, positioning him as a key architect of the genre's mainstream ascent.

Lyrical themes and production techniques

Raftaar's lyrics frequently delve into themes of hustle and personal struggle, inspired by his early experiences in Delhi's competitive urban environment. He has recounted working as a salesman at a retail outlet, earning approximately ₹10,000 per month, a job he quit in 2006 at his parents' encouragement to pursue full-time despite financial uncertainty. This phase of modest beginnings informs tracks like "Swag Mera " (2013), where he asserts desi identity and resilience amid career challenges, blending bravado with reflections on grinding for success. A recurring motif is cultural pride intertwined with the duality of his heritage and upbringing, creating a narrative of hybrid identity in desi hip-hop. Born Dilin to Malayali parents from but raised in 's and Rohini neighborhoods, Raftaar navigates South Indian roots against North Indian influences, often emphasizing Punjabi "large-heartedness" and urban grit over his Malayali origins. His lyrics promote Indian self-assurance, as seen in songs addressing humanity and unity like "Alla Ve" and like "," which fuse global concerns with local cultural reverence. In his later discography, Raftaar shifts toward romance and party anthems, crafting infectious, youth-oriented narratives that balance introspection with exuberance. Tracks such as "Bandook Meri Laila" (2017) mix flirtatious romance with action-hero swagger, while "Whatsapp to Party" (2016) captures carefree celebration through witty, relatable exchanges, appealing to party culture without abandoning his energetic edge. Raftaar's production techniques emphasize a hands-on fusion of hip-hop elements with Indian traditions, prioritizing accessibility for diverse audiences. He integrates Western beats with Indian percussion and melodic structures, as evident in his early mixtapes and albums, to bridge global rap influences like Eminem with desi sounds. This approach, honed since his solo transition, allows for rhythmic complexity while maintaining cultural resonance, often co-writing verses to adapt multilingual flows across Hindi, Punjabi, and Haryanvi. His signature innovation, the "Raftaar flow," features rapid bilingual delivery that accelerates pacing in verses, blending and Punjabi for dynamic energy. This style, marked by precise, high-speed rhymes, has defined his live performances and studio work, earning recognition for elevating rap's technical flair.

Discography

Studio albums

Raftaar's studio albums represent his evolution as a solo in the Indian hip-hop scene, showcasing a blend of commercial appeal and lyrical depth. His debut full-length , Zero to Infinity, released on May 30, 2018, by , consists of 8 tracks spanning 28 minutes. Produced largely by Raftaar himself alongside collaborators like Deep Kalsi and Blackout, the album features high-energy tracks such as "Baby Marvake Maanegi" and "Sare Karo Dab" (featuring Muhfaad and ), which highlight his signature fast-paced flow and fusion of beats with contemporary hip-hop. The "Woh Chori" (featuring ) exemplifies the album's party-anthem vibe, contributing to its role in solidifying Raftaar's mainstream presence. Following the success of his initial solo efforts, Raftaar released his second studio , Mr. Nair, on April 13, 2020, also under . This 16-track project, clocking in at 53 minutes, marks a more personal and reflective turn, named after his real surname. Key highlights include "Me and My Pen" (featuring Shah Rule), which opens with introspective lyrics on his journey, and collaborations like "Damn!" with KR$NA and "" with Yunan, demonstrating his ability to balance solo verses with ensemble dynamics. Tracks such as "Dilli Wali Baatcheet" pay homage to his roots, while production from Raftaar and others incorporates trap influences and melodic hooks. The received praise for its cohesive , tracing Raftaar's rise from underground to industry staple.
AlbumRelease DateNumber of TracksLabelNotable Tracks
Zero to InfinityMay 30, 20188"Baby Marvake Maanegi", "Sare Karo Dab"
Mr. NairApril 13, 202016"Me and My Pen", "Damn!", ""
These albums underscore Raftaar's growth in production and storytelling, with Mr. Nair particularly noted for its expansive guest features that amplify his Kalamkaar label's collaborative ethos. While specific chart data is limited, both projects garnered significant streaming traction on platforms like and , reinforcing his status in desi hip-hop.

EPs and mixtapes

Raftaar's EPs and mixtapes represent a key aspect of his discography, allowing him to experiment with rapid-release formats, raw production, and thematic depth that differ from the more polished structure of his . These projects often serve as creative outlets for testing new flows, collaborations, and sonic elements in the desi hip-hop landscape, emphasizing independence and agility in response to industry dynamics. Raftaar's debut , WTF (Witness The Future), released in 2013, marked his early underground entry with raw, freestyle-heavy tracks that built his presence in the desi hip-hop scene. The BAR'ISH EP, initiated in 2020 amid the , embodies this experimental spirit with its staggered release of tracks that capture isolation, resilience, and introspection. Comprising four songs—"Microphone Check," "Tu Phir Se Aana" featuring Karma and Salim Merchant, "," and "GOAT Dekho"—the EP was dropped individually between November 2020 and November 2021, allowing Raftaar to adapt to the era's uncertainties while maintaining momentum. The project's pandemic-inspired themes, including and defiance, marked a shift toward more personal storytelling, with "Microphone Check" serving as an energetic opener that highlights his technical mic skills. In 2022, following his departure from major label constraints, Raftaar embraced full independence through his Kalamkaar imprint with HARD DRIVE Vol. 1, a 7-track EP released as a surprise drop on November 16. Featuring collaborations with artists like Sikander Kahlon on "F16" and Deep Kalsi on "GANGNUM," the project showcases high-energy beats, trap influences, and braggadocious lyrics focused on ambition and street cred, underscoring his post-label creative freedom. This volume's compact format enabled quick iteration, blending Punjabi hip-hop elements with global trap aesthetics for a cohesive yet versatile listen. Building on this momentum, HARD DRIVE Vol. 2 arrived on November 16, 2024, expanding to 9 tracks and further solidifying the series as a mixtape-style outlet for prolific output. Released under a partnership with Mass Appeal via Kalamkaar, it includes standout cuts like "DEHSHAT HO" with Yashraj and "BAAWE" featuring Badshah, emphasizing aggressive bars, diverse features, and production that pushes boundaries in Indian rap. The EP's rapid succession from Vol. 1 highlights Raftaar's strategy of using these releases to test experimental sounds and collaborations without the commercial pressures of full albums. Raftaar's solo singles have played a pivotal role in establishing his prominence in the Indian hip-hop scene, often blending swagger with high-energy beats to capture widespread attention. His debut major single, "Swag Mera ," released in 2014 in collaboration with , marked his transition to solo artistry and became a breakout hit, amassing millions of views and streams for its bold lyrics and infectious rhythm. This track, produced under Spoken Word, showcased Raftaar's lyrical prowess and helped solidify his fanbase during his early independent phase. In 2018, Raftaar released "Sheikh Chilli," a high-profile diss track aimed at rival Emiway Bantai, which ignited significant in the desi hip-hop community and topped streaming charts upon its October 26 debut. The single, self-produced by Raftaar, highlighted his rapid-fire delivery and thematic depth, contributing to over 15 million streams by 2025. More recently, "3 Ka Dream" (2023), crafted as the official anthem for India's ICC Men's campaign, celebrated national sporting aspirations with contributions from Raftaar and Karan Kanchan; released on September 20, it resonated with over a billion Indian fans through its motivational tied to India's pursuit of a third ODI title. Beyond lead singles, Raftaar's featured appearances have amplified his reach across Bollywood and collaborative projects. In 2014, he contributed verses to "Dhup Chik" on the soundtrack of the film Fugly, alongside and Badshah, delivering a party anthem that blended hip-hop with commercial appeal and marked one of his early high-profile features amid his Mafia Mundeer affiliations. Earlier, in 2013, Raftaar featured on "Tamanche Pe Disco" from the album, produced by RDB and performed with Nindy , where his rap added an urban edge to the track's disco-infused vibe, released on October 25 as part of the film's promotional rollout. In 2024, Raftaar appeared on "Success (Jeet)" by Emiway Bantai, featuring alongside Dino James and Ikka, a motivational rap track emphasizing triumph over adversity that aligned with his own career and garnered attention in the evolving Indian hip-hop landscape. Raftaar's non-album singles and features have collectively driven substantial chart success and listener engagement, with his discography surpassing 650 million streams on as of November 2025. Key tracks like "Swag Mera Desi" and "Sheikh Chilli" exemplify his ability to dominate viral trends and streaming metrics, often peaking at number one on Indian digital charts.

Other ventures

Television appearances

Raftaar gained his first significant television exposure as a contestant on Doubles in 2011, where he reached the semi-finals as part of D'Souza's team, showcasing his dance skills and earning widespread recognition for his energetic performances. He later transitioned into a judging role on Season 1 in 2019, serving as a key judge alongside and , where he mentored emerging rappers in a format that highlighted raw talent and lyrical prowess, significantly boosting the show's popularity and introducing hip-hop battles to mainstream Indian television. Although absent from Seasons 2 and 3, his involvement in the inaugural season helped establish the program as a platform for underground artists, with teams under his guidance emphasizing authenticity and street-style rap. In 2021, Raftaar appeared as a gang leader on MTV Roadies Season 17 (Roadies Revolution), contributing to tasks and team dynamics while performing during episodes to energize contestants and audiences. He made a guest performance on India's Got Talent Season 10 in 2023, joining as a special musical act where fellow rapper Badshah praised him as "India's most skilled rapper" during the episode, further cementing his influence in talent showcases. Raftaar featured as a guest on the debut episode of the comedy show India's Got Latent in 2024, participating in humorous segments that tied into his rap persona. In early 2025, he publicly reacted to the show's ensuing involving vulgar jokes and cancellations, commenting on about public tendencies to revel in the downfall of successful figures, which sparked discussions on and . His television presence extended to live broadcasts in 2025 with a high-energy performance at the (DPL) Season 2 opening ceremony on August 2, collaborating with artists like KRSNA and , which was aired on Star Sports and streamed on , blending rap with to engage a broader audience. Through these appearances, Raftaar has notably increased youth engagement with hip-hop, inspiring greater participation in rap battles and dance-rap fusions, as seen in the surge of contestants on shows like post his judging stint and the cross-media appeal of his DPL set linking TV exposure to live events.

Film contributions and acting

Raftaar has made notable contributions to Bollywood through his music composition and , blending hip-hop elements with mainstream soundtracks to enhance narrative and promotional appeal. In terms of , Raftaar has ventured into on-screen roles with limited but impactful appearances in . In 2025, Raftaar appeared in the Bajao, a musical drama exploring industry themes, featuring his alongside musical contributions. Overall, while his music contributions have significantly boosted promotions—such as increasing buzz and chart performance—his endeavors have been critiqued as secondary to his primary strengths in music, with reviewers noting that his screen presence shines best in roles tied to performance sequences rather than extended dramatic arcs.

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  55. https://www.etvbharat.com/english/sitara/tv-and-theater/one-nation-badshah-and-75-plus-artists-to-unite-for-virtual-gig/na20200428202206759
  56. https://www.gadget-innovations.com/2020/09/oppos-first-online-music-concert-brings.html
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80uLQXwAI0I
  58. https://genius.com/albums/Raftaar/Bar-ish-ep
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCxXJMhQNZQ
  60. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/gaming/raftaar-inspired-black-sheep-game-launched-on-play-store-7648689/
  61. https://rollingstoneindia.com/raftaar-hard-drive-vol-1-album-review/
  62. https://genius.com/albums/Raftaar/Hard-drive-vol-1
  63. https://open.spotify.com/album/1AHeeHqsxY6YxuMzHESiEv
  64. https://everythingexperiential.com/article/raftaar%25E2%2580%2599s-kalamkaar-inks-global-deal-with-french-music-distributor-believe--363412
  65. https://www.lokmattimes.com/lifestyle/raftaar-goes-global-with-his-music-label-kalamkaar/
  66. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO3tSYjW
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J42LJqBFAw4
  68. https://rollingstoneindia.com/raftaar-kara-kanchan-3-ka-dream-cricket-world-cup-song-anthem/
  69. https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/advertising/adidas-gives-words-to-3-ka-dream-in-new-ad/103807240
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFnH4KptmE0
  71. https://cricopinion.com/cricket-news/dpl-2025-opening-ceremony-raftaar-seedhe-maut-performances
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_h4X3cz4J0
  73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMWlALLdWIo
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOSJD_RbwV8
  75. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPMPdcfkzEu/
  76. https://www.news18.com/movies/rapper-raftaar-reacts-to-indias-got-latent-row-says-people-often-enjoy-seeing-successful-people-fail-9226282.html
  77. https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/people-often-enjoy-seeing-successful-people-fail-rapper-raftaar-reacts-to-indias-got-latent-row/ar-AA1yZ6hc
  78. https://thenewsmill.com/2025/02/extract-the-educational-part-ignore-nonsense-singer-raftaar-on-diss-tracks-in-hip-hop-music/
  79. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eQu6MFGoG8
  80. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEb9PidvqPX/?hl=en
  81. https://music.apple.com/in/album/hard-drive-vol-2/1779552920
  82. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzkYSITK_H4
  83. https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/rapper-raftaar-becomes-first-indian-artist-to-accept-performance-fee-in-cryptocurrency/articleshow/83630817.cms
  84. https://www.facebook.com/lulumall.calicut/posts/-kozhikode-the-wait-is-over-the-king-of-rap-raftaar-is-coming-to-set-the-stage-a/618289358027877/
  85. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNighypTbZx/
  86. https://genius.com/albums/Raftaar/Hard-drive-vol-2
  87. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/raftaar-i-started-as-a-wannabe-but-then-i-learnt-to-write-about-reality/articleshow/68097182.cms
  88. https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusives/exclusive-raftaar-talks-about-rap-culture-bollywood-says-gully-boy-gave-mainstream-angle-rap-music-526165
  89. https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/celebrities/70642-from-being-a-salesman-to-taking-his-dad-rsquo-s-help-raftaar-rsquo-s-story-proves-dreams-work-when-you-do.html
  90. https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/raftaar-shares-he-had-quit-his-job-as-a-salesman-to-become-rapper-used-to-earn-10k-per-month-501250.html
  91. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/Meet-the-%25E2%2580%2598Dhaakad%25E2%2580%2599-singer/article16965424.ece
  92. https://www.jiosaavn.com/lyrics/bandook-meri-laila-from-a-gentleman-feat.-raftaar-sidharth-malhotra-lyrics/LyMRSTJRWEI
  93. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvlpu9n2DN8
  94. https://music.apple.com/us/album/zero-to-infinity/1515907916
  95. https://genius.com/albums/Raftaar/Zero-to-infinity
  96. https://music.apple.com/nz/album/mr-nair/1529533849
  97. https://genius.com/albums/Raftaar/Mr-nair
  98. https://open.spotify.com/album/0Hp0znORjzAXFhEZW9mAnu
  99. https://genius.com/albums/Raftaar/Wtf-mixtape
  100. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWcDvdaLqSk
  101. https://open.spotify.com/album/3bnBokwvwAquTvlExGG9Y9
  102. https://open.spotify.com/track/4XhJvchsxyoq7nlUOYw0Tb
  103. https://music.apple.com/us/song/swag-mera-desi/951006393
  104. https://genius.com/Raftaar-sheikh-chilli-lyrics/q/release-date
  105. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uykOHAhId0Q
  106. https://www.mystreamcount.com/track/6PKNPLFj5oE9eS7Og84993
  107. https://open.spotify.com/track/6CpAWJEAfZCf9vE7WCTwIC
  108. https://gaana.com/song/3-ka-dream-adidas-india
  109. https://open.spotify.com/track/6Ihls6KWgxUrg6h9W3IoFH
  110. https://music.apple.com/us/album/fugly-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1111714491
  111. https://open.spotify.com/track/4O2pDrAMW6rOszMsbA2NRb
  112. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju12RhZFGRo
  113. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNiSGfgLI80
  114. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/5UdFr0GeO7jKIaNIJgwB36_songs.html
  115. https://www.facebook.com/ZeeTvIndia/videos/dance-india-dance-battle-of-the-champions-raftaar/2426278204269145/
  116. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/hustle-rapper-judge-raftaar-replaced-by-singer-badshah-for-the-next-season/articleshow/93029589.cms
  117. https://www.newindianexpress.com/hyderabad/2021/Mar/27/roadies-anthem-attracts-gen-x-2282099.html
  118. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/indias-got-talent-badshah-calls-raftaar-indias-most-skilled-rapper/articleshow/103287259.cms
  119. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/rapper-raftaar-amid-indias-got-latent-row-we-enjoy-seeing-successful-people-fail-ranveer-allahbadia-samay-raina-2679372-2025-02-13
  120. https://crickettimes.com/2025/07/from-raftaar-to-sunanda-sharma-top-artists-to-perform-at-the-dpl-2025-opening-ceremony-delhi-premier-league-t20-season-2/
  121. https://onecricket.com/en/cricket-news/dpl-2025-where-to-watch-tv-channels-live
  122. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYlsbs4_nU
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