New Delhi, October 2025 – Raftaar, born Dilin Nair, has been one of the most prominent forces in shaping India’s hip-hop scene over the last decade. Known for his rapid-fire rap style, versatility across genres, and crossover into Bollywood, television, and global collaborations, Raftaar has steadily risen to become a household name. In 2025, he once again captured headlines – both for his musical projects and for his personal milestones, including his recent marriage and high-profile television appearances.

Early Life and Background

Raftaar, whose real name is Kalathil Kuzhiyil Devadasan Dilin Nair, was born on 16 November 1988 in Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, to a Delhi-based Malayali family. His upbringing in a culturally diverse environment shaped his eclectic music style, blending hip-hop with Punjabi, Haryanvi, and Bollywood sounds.

While many know him today as a rapper and music producer, Raftaar first made his mark as a dancer under the name “Max”. His early participation in Dance India Dance Doubles (2011) gave him television visibility, but it was music that would ultimately define his career trajectory.

On the personal front, Raftaar’s relationships have often made news. He married interior designer Komal Vohra in 2016, but the couple separated during the COVID-19 pandemic and officially divorced in 2022. Earlier this year, on 31 January 2025, Raftaar tied the knot again with actress and fashion stylist Manraj Jawanda, in a ceremony that celebrated both Malayali and Sikh traditions.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Raftaar’s career began in the late 2000s when he formed a music group with fellow rappers Ikka and Lil Golu. Their collaboration attracted the attention of Yo Yo Honey Singh, leading to the trio’s induction into the collective Mafia Mundeer. However, credit disputes led to Raftaar’s departure from the group, setting him on an independent path.

His breakthrough came in 2013 with the track “Swag Mera Desi”, produced with Manj Musik. The song not only became a viral sensation but also won the Best Urban Song at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards in 2014. It marked Raftaar as a leading voice in India’s emerging hip-hop landscape.

By 2015–2016, tracks like “All Black” and Bollywood numbers such as “Toh Dishoom” cemented his mainstream presence. At the same time, he demonstrated entrepreneurial foresight by co-founding the record label KALAMKAAR in 2017. The label signed rising stars including KR$NA, Rashmeet Kaur, Deep Kalsi, Karma, and Yunan, creating a hub for Indian rap talent.

In 2018, Raftaar released his debut studio album Zero To Infinity, followed by Mr. Nair in 2020, which included collaborations with multiple artists. His beef with fellow rapper Emiway Bantai, sparked by an offhand podcast comment, made headlines across Indian entertainment media and brought heightened visibility to the hip-hop community.

Raftaar has also been a familiar face on Indian television. He judged reality shows like MTV Hustle, Dance India Dance, and MTV Roadies, becoming a mentor figure for aspiring performers. His appearances extended into acting, including a role in JioCinema’s 2023 series Bajao.

Latest News and Updates

In 2025, Raftaar remained at the forefront of both entertainment and personal headlines.

• Reality TV: He participated in Prime Video’s The Traitors (2025), where he made it to the sixth episode before elimination. His stint showed audiences a different side of his personality beyond music.
  
• Music Releases: Raftaar continued to release collaborations, including “Farebi” with Chaar Diwaari and “Buss Down” with KR$NA earlier this year, further strengthening his dominance in Indian hip-hop.
  
• Personal Life: His marriage to Manraj Jawanda in January 2025 was widely covered by media, with fans and celebrities celebrating the union across social media platforms.
  

These developments underscore how Raftaar continues to balance his artistry, media presence, and personal milestones, keeping him consistently relevant in public conversations.

Impact, Recognition and Outlook

Raftaar has been pivotal in pushing desi hip-hop into the Indian mainstream, bridging underground rap with commercial Bollywood. His ability to switch between rapid-fire Hindi-Punjabi bars and global beats has won him respect among peers and critics.

By mentoring young rappers on platforms like MTV Hustle, Raftaar has actively shaped the next generation of Indian hip-hop voices. His collaborations with artists such as Badshah, KR$NA, King, and Prabh Deep also highlight his role as a connector within the industry.

Looking ahead, with multiple projects under his independent label and increasing international collaborations, Raftaar is positioned to carry Indian rap to a wider global audience. His evolving artistry, coupled with his television appeal, suggests his cultural footprint will remain significant for years to come.

Most Searched FAQs about Raftaar

1. What is Raftaar’s real name?
Raftaar’s real name is Dilin Nair.

2. What is Raftaar’s age?
As of October 2025, Raftaar is 36 years old (born 16 November 1988).

3. Who is Raftaar’s wife?
Raftaar is married to Manraj Jawanda (married in January 2025). He was previously married to Komal Vohra.

4. What are Raftaar’s most famous songs?
Some of Raftaar’s most popular tracks include “Swag Mera Desi,” “All Black,” “Toh Dishoom,” “Dhaakad” (from Dangal), and “Main Wahi Hoon.”

5. What is Raftaar’s contribution to Indian hip-hop?
Raftaar is considered one of the pioneers of Indian rap, known for blending desi influences with global hip-hop styles and mentoring emerging artists through his label KALAMKAAR and reality shows like MTV Hustle.