Dilin Nair, popularly known as Raftaar, is a prominent Indian rapper, lyricist, music composer, and television personality. Born on November 16, 1988, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Raftaar has become one of the most influential figures in the Indian music industry. Known for his rapid-fire rapping, fiery lyrics, and dynamic stage presence, Raftaar seamlessly blends Punjabi, Hindi, and English in his music, earning him widespread acclaim.
From his early days with the urban music group Mafia Mundeer to his chart-topping hits like “Swag Mera Desi” and “Baby Marvake Maanegi”, Raftaar has been at the forefront of India’s Desi Hip-Hop revolution. He is also a co-founder of the Kalamkaar music label and has appeared as a judge and host on popular television shows, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.
Raftaar Short Details
| Full Name | Dilin Nair |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Raftaar |
| Profession | Rapper, Lyricist, Music Composer |
| Hometown | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1988 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 35 years |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Debut | Song: “Bottle” (2012) |
| Net Worth | ₹30 crores (approx.) |
| Instagram Handle | @raftaarmusic |
Early Life and Education
Raftaar was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to a Malayali family. His father, K.K. Devdasan, worked with the Indian Railways, and his mother, Lalitha Nair, was a typist. The family moved to Delhi, where Raftaar grew up. During his school days, he faced bullying, which led to him changing schools multiple times.
Raftaar attended Mount Abu Public School, Sachdeva Public School, and Shiva Shiksha Sadan. He later pursued a Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) at the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. His early exposure to diverse cultures and languages shaped his musical style.
Career Milestones
Early Career with Mafia Mundeer
- Raftaar began his career in 2008, collaborating with Lil Golu and Young Amli (now Ikka) and releasing songs on social media.
- He joined Mafia Mundeer, led by Yo Yo Honey Singh, but left due to creative differences and lack of credit for his work.
Breakthrough: “Swag Mera Desi” (2013)
- Raftaar gained recognition with “Swag Mera Desi”, featuring Manj Musik. The track’s line “Ab yeh karke dikhao” was a diss directed at Yo Yo Honey Singh, sparking a highly publicized feud.
- The song won Best Urban Song at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards (2014).
Mainstream Success
- Raftaar made his Bollywood debut with “Tamanchey Pe Disco” in Bullett Raja (2013).
- He produced and performed tracks for films like Gabbar is Back, Dangal, and Dishoom.
- His hits include “Dhaakad”, “Toh Dishoom”, and “Baby Marvake Maanegi”.
Albums and Collaborations
- In 2018, Raftaar released his debut album, Zero to Infinity, featuring hits like “Baby Marvake Maanegi”.
- He released Mr. Nair (2020), which showcased his versatility as a rapper and composer.
- Raftaar has collaborated with top artists, including Vishal Dadlani, Sukh-E, and Manj Musik.
Television Appearances
- Raftaar appeared as a contestant on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8 (2015) and later as a judge on Dance India Dance Battle of the Champions (2019) and MTV Hustle (2020).
- He served as a gang leader on MTV Roadies Xtreme (2018) and Roadies: Revolution (2020).
Personal Life and Relationships
Raftaar married Komal Vohra, an interior designer, in December 2016. However, the couple filed for divorce in 2020, which was finalized in October 2022. Despite their separation, they maintain cordial relations.
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | K.K. Devdasan (Railway Employee) |
| Mother | Lalitha Nair (Typist) |
| Ex-Wife | Komal Vohra (Interior Designer) |
Physical Appearance
Raftaar’s bold tattoos and energetic persona reflect his dynamic musical style.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | Multiple, including a mic on his chest |
Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Best Urban Song (Brit Asia Music Awards) | “Swag Mera Desi” |
| 2016 | PTC Punjabi Music Awards | Best Music Director, Best Club Song |
| 2018 | Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award | Best Music |
Top 5 Songs
- Swag Mera Desi: The track that solidified Raftaar’s position in the Indian rap scene.
- Dhaakad: A motivational anthem from the film Dangal.
- Baby Marvake Maanegi: A party anthem showcasing Raftaar’s versatility.
- Toh Dishoom: A high-energy Bollywood track from Dishoom.
- Shera Di Kaum: A fusion of Punjabi bhangra and hip-hop.
Interesting Facts
- Raftaar is a co-founder of the music label Kalamkaar.
- He participated in Dance India Dance (2011) as a contestant.
- His original name, Dilin Nair, reflects his Malayali roots.
- He once worked as a dance instructor, earning ₹150 per child.
- Raftaar is fluent in Punjabi, Haryanvi, Hindi, and Malayalam.
- He was inspired by artists like Eminem and Dr. Dre.
- Raftaar’s song “Swag Mera Desi” was a diss track aimed at Yo Yo Honey Singh.
- He supports social causes and voiced opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
- He judged India’s first rap reality show, MTV Hustle.
- Raftaar has a collection of luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lamborghini.
FAQs
Q: What is Raftaar’s real name?
A: His real name is Dilin Nair.
Q: When did Raftaar start his career?
A: He began his career in 2008 with Mafia Mundeer.
Q: What is Raftaar’s most popular song?
A: “Swag Mera Desi” is one of his most popular songs.
Q: Is Raftaar married?
A: Raftaar divorced Komal Vohra in 2022 after six years of marriage.
Q: What is Raftaar’s height?
A: He is 5’7” (170 cm) tall.
Q: Which music label did Raftaar co-found?
A: He co-founded Kalamkaar.
Q: What is Raftaar’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is ₹30 crores.
Conclusion
Raftaar’s journey from a small-town boy to a leading figure in Desi Hip-Hop exemplifies his talent, resilience, and passion for music. With chart-topping hits, impactful lyrics, and groundbreaking collaborations, Raftaar has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. As a rapper, composer, and television personality, he continues to inspire and entertain millions.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.
