‘I am hungry enough to learn all the things’: Raftaar on judging 'Dance India Dance' and more

Raftaar (real name Dilin Nair) is professionally racing ahead, full speed. He has a flourishing career as a rapper and is working on his upcoming record, Mr Nair. The artiste is all set to mentor aspiring rappers in the reality show Hustle and is also judging on Dance India Dance, alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Bosco Martis. Raftaar tells us how he manages all the different roles. 

What made you come on-board for Hustle?

I was in talks with the channel, brainstorming and planning, for the past couple of years. Our only intention was to keep everything original. Every rapper or contestant on the show will bring their own story and writing. That’s the best part of the show.

Would you agree that rapping has gained prominence in India after the success of Gully Boy?

Somewhere, it is a valid point. But, we cannot say that it was not popular earlier. We were there and going pretty strong pre-Gully Boy. Everyone after the movie got the courage to pursue rapping. Families are now encouraging their kids to become rappers. We have gone through the hard times and hip-hop is still an evolving genre.

But many feel it’s finally getting its due...

Hundred per cent. I personally cannot claim that it didn’t get the due earlier because it made me who I am today. I have created my own label and seven artistes are working under me — six of them are rappers and write their own stuff. With the advent of new platforms and opportunities, I know they can get what they are looking for out of me.

Does its future look bright?

It is glorious. Everybody is going to be a winner. For me, any genre or art form is doing good until it can feed its followers.

Any upcoming rappers that you like? What qualities do you look for in a good artiste?

All of my squad and crew — Karma, Deepak, Harjas, Krishna — are quite good. Everybody writes, but the difference between a poet and a rapper is to lay the poetry on a beat. That is what a rapper needs to learn and do. 

They have to make their beat relatable and that to me is an artiste — someone who knows what they are doing. I also see myself more as a mentor than a judge. And whenever I am judging, I see how vast their vocabulary and diction is. Of course, it also comes with practice.

Nucleya, Raftaar and Raja Kumari in Hustle

What is your idea of rapping? Are you spontaneous or follow a set pattern?

Freestyle is just a part of rap and not a form in itself. Like, battle rappers write some stuff and then create something on the spot — it’s called timing. I do both. But my freestyle is not as great as writing.

How has your experience been working with Kareena Kapoor Khan on Dance India Dance?

It is been very good. Rannvijay Singha, Prince Narula, Neha Dhupia, Nikhil Chinappa (Roadies), Kareena, Bosco, Raja Kumari and Nucleya (Hustle) have been like family. They have all been quite welcoming and accepting. We consider each other on the same level; we interact, share stories and learn so much from that.

Coming from a humble background, what message would you like to give to your fans?

We all fall before we start running. So, never be afraid of the fall and even after facing a setback, start running.

Are you open to the idea of acting?

I have received movie offers, that too as the lead. But, if I have to do films, then I have to give them my all. At the moment, I don’t have the time as I am quite busy with my music and mentorship. I am juggling quite a few things.

How do you manage to strike a balance between all the roles?

The secret is, no art form is similar. Dancing has got nothing to do with rapping. I am hungry enough to learn all these things. You need different heads for different things.

What are your upcoming projects?

My new album Mr Nair is coming up. It has 16 songs and each one describes different parts of me and is very close to my heart. My name is Dilin Nair, so I have named the record that.