Basic Information Name - Dilin Nair (Professionally known as Raftaar) Date of Birth - November 16, 1988 Nationality - Indian Full name - Kalathil Kuzhiyil Devadasan Dilin Nair Spouse - Komal Vohra (m. 2016–2022) Profession - Rapper, Lyricist, Composer, and Music Producer Social Media Links Instagram: @raftaarmusic Twitter: @raftaarmusic Biography Dilin Nair, popularly known as Raftaar, is an acclaimed Indian rapper, lyricist, and music composer who has been instrumental in bringing Indian hip-hop to the forefront. Born on November 16, 1988, in Trivandrum, Kerala, Raftaar grew up in Delhi.
His early years were marked by a passion for dance and music, which later became the foundation for his illustrious career. Raftaar’s journey began with underground music, but his talent was soon recognized when he joined the group Mafia Mundeer, created by Yo Yo Honey Singh. While this association brought him visibility, Raftaar’s real breakthrough came with his independent ventures.
He is known for his energetic performances, meaningful lyrics, and his ability to blend traditional Indian sounds with contemporary beats. Raftaar is not just a rapper; he’s a multi-talented artist who has contributed to Bollywood soundtracks, judged reality TV shows, and collaborated with international artists. His rise to fame is a testament to his dedication, skill, and willingness to experiment.
Career Timeline 1. Early Years (2008–2012): Started his career as a dancer and choreographer. Became a part of Mafia Mundeer and worked on several tracks.
2. Solo Breakthrough (2013): Released "Swag Mera Desi," a track that became a cultural phenomenon and earned him the Best Urban Song at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards. 3.
Bollywood Entry (2014–2016): Worked on soundtracks for movies like Heropanti and Fugly , making his mark in the Indian film industry. 4. Reality TV and Mainstream Success (2017–2019): Became a judge on MTV Hustle , India’s first rap reality show.
Released several hit singles, including "Dhaakad" and "Baby Marvake Maanegi." 5. Global Collaborations and Expansion (2020–Present): Collaborated with international artists and focused on independent music production.
Released albums and singles under his label Kalamkaar . Achievements Awards & Recognition Winner of the Best Urban Song at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards for "Swag Mera Desi." Multiple nominations for his work in Bollywood and independent music.
Records/Stats Over a billion streams across various platforms, making him one of India’s most-streamed independent artists. Known for creating viral tracks that resonate with youth. Philanthropic Work Active in promoting local talent through his label Kalamkaar .
Frequently advocates for mental health awareness and encourages self-expression through music. Key Quotes / Catchphrases “Music is not just about beats, it’s about telling stories.” “Swag is not what you wear, it’s what you exude.
” Multimedia Gallery Videos/Interviews Raftaar & Ikka Interview on Honey Singh, Beef Culture, Badshah, artist safety | MTV Hustle 4 |Rapper Raftaar Interview I Speed Se Badho | Rap Battle With KR$NA I Dangerous I Now Showing I Rap Battles RAFTAAR & IKKA Go Unfiltered and Brutal! Facts/Trivia Raftaar initially trained as a dancer and participated in reality dance competitions before pursuing music full-time. His stage name "Raftaar" means speed, reflecting his rapid-fire rapping style and dynamic energy. He is a polyglot and can fluently rap in Hindi, Punjabi, and English.
Impact/Legacy Raftaar’s impact on Indian music is monumental. He played a pivotal role in bringing desi hip-hop to the mainstream, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace rap as a powerful medium of expression. His work bridges the gap between underground music and commercial success, proving that authenticity and experimentation can coexist.
Through his label Kalamkaar , Raftaar continues to nurture budding talent, ensuring the growth of India’s independent music scene. His legacy lies not just in his chart-topping hits but in his ability to empower others, making him a true icon of Indian hip-hop. Follow Outlook Experiences: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn.
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