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Royal Stag Fan
13 June 2025
The rhythm of the streets, the pulse of a generation, the unfiltered voice of modern India – that's the essence of Indian Hip-Hop and Desi Rap. And when you trace the architects of this vibrant soundscape, one name consistently echoes with power and authenticity: Raftaar. From a determined dancer to a lyrical powerhouse and a mentor for emerging talent, Dilin Nair, professionally known as Raftaar, hasn't just participated in the genre; he has actively sculpted its trajectory, infusing it with a unique desi flavour while honouring its global roots.
Born Dilin Nair into a middle-class Malayali family, Raftaar’s formative years in the diverse cultural crucible of Delhi laid the groundwork for his multifaceted artistry. While music was a constant, his initial passion blazed on the dance floor. As 'Max,' he showcased his moves on the national stage in the reality TV show Dance India Dance in 2011, alongside his friend Manik. This early brush with showbiz highlighted his dedication and performance prowess, traits that would later define his music career.
However, the call of rhythm and rhyme proved irresistible. Influenced by global hip-hop legends like Eminem, Tupac, and Jay-Z, Raftaar began his foray into rap around 2008. Teaming up with Lil Golu and Ikka, he started recording tracks and sharing them on social platforms like Orkut – the digital breeding ground for many early desi hip-hop artists.
While Raftaar had been making waves, it was in 2013, with the release of "Swag Mera Desi" featuring Manj Musik, that he truly announced his arrival. The track was an electrifying anthem, a bold declaration of desi pride wrapped in slick production and Raftaar’s signature rapid-fire delivery. Raftaar's discography is a testament to his versatility and impact. Here are some of his best songs and collaborations:
His definitive breakout track. It was raw, energetic, and unapologetically Indian. The track not only showcased his lyrical prowess and flow but also established his "desi" identity in a genre still finding its mainstream footing. The controversy surrounding its lyrics and its subsequent award win solidified its iconic status.
Composed by Pritam, this track featured Raftaar's powerful rap verses. Being part of an Aamir Khan blockbuster, Dangal, gave him unprecedented mainstream exposure. The song’s theme of female empowerment, coupled with Raftaar’s aggressive delivery, made it a national sensation.
Read More: Raftaar’s Best Collaborations: Bollywood & Independent Rap
Another successful Bollywood collaboration, this high-energy title track demonstrated Raftaar's ability to seamlessly integrate his rap style into commercial Hindi film music, making him a sought-after artist for film soundtracks.
This peppy, catchy track became a massive hit, largely due to its infectious beat, Raftaar's playful lyrics, and Nora Fatehi's dance performance. It showcased his knack for creating party anthems that resonated widely.
Moving beyond party tracks, "Mantoiyat" saw Raftaar deliver hard-hitting, socially conscious rap for Nawazuddin Siddiqui's critically acclaimed film Manto. It highlighted his lyrical depth and ability to tackle serious, thought-provoking themes, proving his artistic range.
This viral sensation brought a distinct Haryanvi flavour to the forefront, showcasing Raftaar's commitment to regional sounds. Importantly, it featured Kalamkaar artist Rashmeet Kaur, demonstrating his platform's power in promoting talent.
A quintessential diss track, "Sheikh Chilli" became a major talking point in the Indian hip-hop scene. It showcased Raftaar's sharp lyrical skills in a competitive context and also provided a significant platform for fellow Kalamkaar artists KR$NA, Deep Kalsi, and Karma.
Often cited as one of his most authentic street anthems, this track was part of the MTV Hustle era. It resonated deeply for its motivational lyrics and raw, unfiltered hip-hop sound, inspiring many aspiring artists.
Perhaps one of Raftaar's most significant contributions to Indian hip-hop is the establishment of his record label, Kalamkaar, in 2017, alongside his longtime manager and business partner Ankit Khanna. Kalamkaar (meaning "writer" or "artist") was founded with the vision of providing a platform for independent, raw talent in the Indian hip-hop scene. The label has since signed and nurtured a diverse roster of artists, including lyrical giants like KR$NA, versatile singer-rapper Rashmeet Kaur, music producer and rapper Deep Kalsi, the storyteller Karma, melodic rapper Yunan, and the distinct Harjas Harjaayi.
Through Kalamkaar, Raftaar has actively engaged in artist promotion, ensuring his artists get visibility, quality production, and strategic releases. This isn't just a business venture; it's a movement to build a sustainable ecosystem for desi hip-hop, offering an alternative to mainstream Bollywood dominance and fostering a community of authentic voices.
Raftaar's influence isn't confined to the recording studio. He has become a prominent face on Indian television, leveraging his expertise and charisma to mentor aspiring artists. His role as a judge on MTV Hustle, India's first rap reality show, was groundbreaking. He provided invaluable guidance, constructive criticism, and inspiration to contestants, directly shaping the skills and careers of many young rappers. Also, his foray into Bengali music with the film One (2017), featuring Vishal Dadlani, and producing/rapping for the Chaamp soundtrack in the same year, showcased his versatility and willingness to explore regional industries.
From his early struggles for credit to becoming a label boss who champions artist rights, Raftaar has walked the talk. His ability to blend intricate lyrical techniques with relatable desi narratives, all while maintaining a high-energy, authentic persona, has made him a cultural icon. He didn't just ride the wave of Indian hip-hop; he was one of the powerful currents that helped create it, and through Kalamkaar and his continued work, Raftaar ensures that the tide of desi rap will only rise higher.
