Raftaar
| Raftaar | |
|---|---|
| |
| Birth name | Dilin Nair |
| Born | 16 November 1988
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations | Rapper, music producer, television personality |
| Genres | Hip hop, desi hip hop, pop rap |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Spouse | Manraj Jawanda (m. 2025) |
| Former spouse | Komal Vohra (m. 2016; div. 2022) |
| Labels | Kalamkaar |
Raftaar (born Dilin Nair) is an Indian rapper, music producer and television personality. He is regarded as one of the key figures in the mainstream expansion of Indian hip-hop, known for blending desi lyrical styles with global rap influences. Over his career, he has worked across independent music, Bollywood soundtracks, and television mentoring formats.
Early life
Raftaar was born on 16 November 1988 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to a Malayali family based in New Delhi. He was raised in a culturally diverse environment, which later influenced his multilingual and genre-blending musical style. Before pursuing music professionally, he was active as a dancer under the stage name “Max” and gained early visibility through dance competitions.[1]
Career
Early career and Mafia Mundeer
Raftaar began his music career in the late 2000s, collaborating with fellow rappers Ikka and Lil Golu. The group later became associated with the collective Mafia Mundeer, led by Yo Yo Honey Singh. Creative and credit-related differences led to Raftaar’s departure from the group, after which he chose an independent artistic path.[2]
Breakthrough and mainstream success
Raftaar achieved national recognition in 2013 with the release of the single Swag Mera Desi, produced in collaboration with Manj Musik. The song played a major role in popularising desi hip-hop and won the Best Urban Song award at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards in 2014.[3]
He followed this success with popular tracks such as All Black and multiple Bollywood soundtrack contributions, including Toh Dishoom. These releases established him as a crossover artist capable of balancing underground credibility with commercial appeal.
Kalamkaar and mentorship
In 2017, Raftaar co-founded the independent music label Kalamkaar, aimed at nurturing Indian hip-hop talent. The label has signed and promoted several prominent artists, including KR$NA, Rashmeet Kaur, Deep Kalsi, Karma and Yunan.
Raftaar has also played a mentorship role on television, serving as a judge and mentor on shows such as MTV Hustle, Dance India Dance and MTV Roadies, where he has been credited with bringing underground rap into mainstream broadcast spaces.
Albums and later work
Raftaar released his debut studio album Zero To Infinity in 2018, followed by Mr. Nair in 2020. Both projects featured multiple collaborations and showcased his versatility across lyrical themes and production styles.
He has continued releasing independent singles and collaborative projects, while also appearing in web series and reality shows, expanding his presence beyond music.[4]
Personal life
Raftaar married interior designer Komal Vohra in 2016; the couple divorced in 2022. In January 2025, he married actress and fashion stylist Manraj Jawanda in a ceremony blending Malayali and Sikh traditions.
Public image
Raftaar is widely recognised for his rapid-fire rap delivery, multilingual lyricism and ability to bridge underground hip-hop with mainstream entertainment. His influence extends beyond music into artist mentorship and popular culture, making him a central figure in the evolution of Indian rap.
Discography
- Zero To Infinity (2018)
- Mr. Nair (2020)
See also
References
- ↑ https://arisetimes.in/entertainment/who-is-raftaar-the-rapper-redefining-indian-hip-hop-with-global-reach/
- ↑ https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/raftaar-struggle-story-mafia-mundeer-3-ka-dream-cricket-world-cup-song-net-worth-55849
- ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/music/story/raftaar-criticises-tommy-genesis-true-blue-song-mockery-of-my-religion-2744845-2025-06-23
- ↑ https://vocal.media/fyi/raftaar-a-life-beyond-music