Raftaar

Biography

Dilin Nair, professionally known as Raftaar, is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, music composer, and television personality. He was born on 16 November 1988 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and was raised in Delhi. He is one of the prominent figures in the Indian hip-hop and rap music scene.

Raftaar began his music career as part of the hip-hop group Manju and later joined the rap group Urban Music Group (UMG). He gained wider recognition after becoming associated with Mafia Munder, a collective founded by Yo Yo Honey Singh. He subsequently established himself as a solo artist and released several successful singles and albums.

His breakthrough as a solo rapper came with songs such as Swag Mera Desi, which became one of his signature tracks. He went on to release popular songs including Dhaakad, All Black, Lakk Hilaade, Baby Marvake Maanegi, and Naina. His music combines Hindi and Punjabi rap with contemporary hip-hop influences.

Raftaar has also contributed music to Indian films. His notable Bollywood projects include Bullet Raja (2013), Heropanti (2014), Roy (2015), Baar Baar Dekho (2016), Mubarakan (2017), Nawabzaade (2018), Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022), and Gehraiyaan (2022). He has worked as a rapper, playback singer, songwriter, and composer on different projects.

Apart from music, Raftaar has appeared as a judge and mentor on several television reality shows, including MTV Hustle, where he became one of the recognizable faces of India's televised hip-hop scene. He has also participated in and contributed to other music-based reality programmes.

Raftaar made his acting debut with the web series Bajao (2023), in which he played Micky, one of three aspiring filmmakers trying to make a name for themselves in the Punjabi pop-music industry. His performance marked his transition from music into scripted digital entertainment.

Selected Music and Acting Credits

• Swag Mera Desi — Rapper/Singer
• All Black — Rapper/Singer
• Dhaakad — Rapper
• Heropanti (2014) — Music/Playback
• Roy (2015) — Rapper
• Baar Baar Dekho (2016) — Rapper
• Mubarakan (2017) — Rapper
• Nawabzaade (2018) — Music/Playback
• Jugjugg Jeeyo (2022) — Rapper
• Gehraiyaan (2022) — Rapper
• Bajao (2023) — Micky
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With his distinctive rap style, songwriting ability, and presence across music, television, and digital entertainment, Raftaar has become an influential figure in India's contemporary hip-hop culture.