Raftaar

Raftaar, born Dilin Nair on November 16, 1988, in Trivandrum, Kerala, is a dynamic Indian artist who has made his mark as a rapper, music producer, lyricist, composer, dancer, and television personality. Raised in Delhi, Raftaar’s multicultural upbringing and deep-rooted passion for performance have been integral to shaping his unique artistic identity.

He first entered the entertainment world as a dancer in 2008 under the stage name Max, performing with groups like Big Dance Centre. His transition into music saw him joining the now-iconic collective Mafia Mundeer, founded by Yo Yo Honey Singh. However, creative differences prompted Raftaar to carve his own path, leading to collaborations with the Punjabi music group RDB and later with producer Manj Musik—pivotal partnerships that set the stage for his solo career.

In 2013, Raftaar dropped his debut mixtape WTF – Witness The Future, blending Hindi, Punjabi, and English lyrics with edgy beats. A year later, his breakout single “Swag Mera Desi” won Best Urban Song at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards, signaling his arrival on the international stage.

Aside from music, Raftaar became a household name in India through his role as a judge on MTV Hustle, the country’s first rap reality show. His insight and authenticity helped spotlight emerging talent in India’s growing hip-hop scene.