Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, widely recognized by his stage name Badshah, is an Indian rapper, singer, and music composer. Born on November 19, 1985, in New Delhi, India, Badshah gained prominence with his debut in the music industry as a rapper and released his first album, “Born Star,” in 2012. Known for his distinct style and chart-topping hits, Badshah has collaborated with various artists and contributed to numerous Bollywood soundtracks. Beyond music, he has been involved in controversies and is admired for his diverse talents and contributions to the Indian music scene.

Early Life And Education

Born on November 19, 1985, in New Delhi, India, Badshah’s real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia. He hails from New Delhi and is of Indian nationality. He attended Bal Bharti School in Pitampura, New Delhi, for his schooling. Badshah initially pursued higher education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later at PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, where he studied Civil Engineering before eventually dropping out to pursue his passion for music.

Physical Stats

• Height: Approximately 178 cm (5 feet 10 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 84 kg (185 lbs)
• Eye Color: Black
• Hair Color: Black

Personal Life

• Religion: Hinduism
• Caste: Information not specified
• Food Habit: Enjoys Punjabi Cuisine
• Hobbies: Watching Movies, traveling, Shopping, and spending time with Family

Family

Family Member	Name	Additional Information
Wife/Spouse	Jasmine Masih	Married in 2012, divorced in 2020
Children	Jessemy Grace Masih Singh	Daughter
Parents	Names not publicly known
Siblings	Aprajita	Sister; shares a close bond with Badshah

Career Beginnings

Badshah’s career began with his involvement in the hip-hop group Mafia Mundeer alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh. Here are some key points highlighting his career’s beginnings and breakthrough moments:

1. Formation of the Mafia Mundeer:
   • Badshah initially collaborated with Yo Yo Honey Singh in the group Mafia Mundeer. This partnership marked his entry into the music industry and laid the foundation for his future career in rap and hip-hop.
2. Early Collaborations:
   • He gained early recognition through collaborations with Yo Yo Honey Singh on several successful tracks. Their joint efforts, including songs like “Get Up Jawani,” contributed to his initial visibility in the music scene.
3. Solo Career and Breakthrough:
   • Badshah’s solo career gained momentum with his debut single, “Soda Whiskey,” in 2007. Although it didn’t achieve widespread success, it marked his first step into the spotlight.
4. Hit Singles:
   • In 2012, Badshah collaborated with Honey Singh on the “High Heels” track, which became a significant breakthrough for him. The song’s popularity showcased his unique rap style and contributed to his rising fame.
5. First Major Album:
   • His first major solo album, “Born Star,” released in 2012, further solidified his position in the music industry. The album featured a mix of rap and hip-hop tracks that resonated with audiences.
6. Mainstream Success:
   • Badshah’s collaborations and solo releases in Bollywood, including songs like “Proper Patola” and “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai,” propelled him to mainstream success. These tracks showcased his versatility and ability to blend Indian and Western musical influences.
7. Recognition and Awards:
   • His contributions to the music industry have been recognized with awards and nominations, reflecting his impact on Indian pop culture and music.

 

Rise to Fame

Numerous essential albums have marked Badshah’s rise to fame, including hit singles, notable performances, and accolades. Here’s an overview of his journey to prominence: Key Albums:

• Born Star (2012): Badshah’s debut album showcased his rap skills and featured collaborations, contributing to his initial recognition in the music industry.
• ONE (Original Never Ends) (2018): This album solidified Badshah’s status as a mainstream artist with popular tracks like “She Move It Like” and “Heartless.”

Hit Singles:

• “DJ Waley Babu” (2015): This song featuring Aastha Gill became a massive hit and garnered millions of views on YouTube, elevating Badshah’s popularity.
• “Mercy” (2017): Known for its catchy beats and danceable rhythm, “Mercy” became a chart-topper and established Badshah as a leading figure in the Indian music scene.
• “Paagal” (2019): Released independently, “Paagal” broke records by becoming the most-watched video on YouTube within 24 hours of its release, showcasing Badshah’s global appeal.

Notable Performances:

• Badshah has performed at major events and concerts worldwide, including the IPL opening ceremonies, Bollywood award shows, and international music festivals, showcasing his electrifying stage presence and crowd engagement.

Awards and Recognition:

• Badshah has received numerous awards for his contributions to music, including the Filmfare Awards, Mirchi Music Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards. His songs have consistently topped charts and received critical acclaim, solidifying his position as a prominent artist in the industry.

Musical Style and Influences

Badshah’s musical style is a fusion of rap, hip-hop, and Punjabi pop, characterized by catchy beats, clever lyrics, and a distinct blend of Indian and Western influences. Here’s an overview of his musical style, influences, and evolution: Genres:

• Rap and Hip-Hop: Badshah primarily operates within the rap and hip-hop genres and is known for his rhythmic flow and dynamic delivery.
• Punjabi Pop: He often incorporates Punjabi elements into his music, including language, cultural references, and musical instruments, appealing to a broad audience across India and beyond.

Influences:

• Yo Yo Honey Singh: Badshah’s early collaboration with Yo Yo Honey Singh in Mafia Mundeer significantly impacted his musical style and career trajectory. Honey Singh’s fusion of Punjabi folk with rap influenced Badshah’s approach to blending traditional and modern elements in his music.
• International Artists: He draws inspiration from international artists like Eminem for their lyrical prowess and A.R. Rahman for his innovative approach to music production, integrating these influences into his style.

Evolution:

• Early Career: Badshah’s career began with collaborations in Mafia Mundeer, where he honed his skills as a rapper and gained exposure to the Indian music scene.
• Solo Journey: Transitioning into a solo artist, Badshah’s music evolved to include more diverse musical elements, experimenting with different beats, melodies, and vocal styles.
• Mainstream Success: His collaborations with Bollywood and independent releases like “DJ Waley Babu” and “Mercy” marked a shift towards mainstream success, blending Punjabi influences with contemporary rap to create infectious tracks.

Signature Style:

• Badshah’s signature style combines clever wordplay, charismatic delivery, and an ear for catchy hooks, making his songs both commercially successful and culturally resonant. His ability to connect with audiences through relatable lyrics and infectious beats has cemented his status as a leading figure in the Indian music industry.

Philanthropy and Activism

Badshah has been involved in various philanthropic activities and supported several causes throughout his career. Here are some instances of his charitable work and supported causes:

1. COVID-19 Relief Efforts:
   • During the COVID-19 pandemic, Badshah actively participated in relief efforts to support those affected by the crisis. He donated generously to relief funds and encouraged his followers to contribute to various relief initiatives.
2. Education Initiatives:
   • Badshah has shown support for education initiatives, emphasizing the importance of education in several interviews and public appearances. He has expressed interest in promoting educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
3. Empowerment of Youth:
   • He has been vocal about empowering youth through his music and personal achievements, inspiring them to pursue their passions and overcome challenges.
4. Support for Cultural Preservation:
   • Badshah’s music often reflects his pride in Punjabi culture and heritage. Through his songs and performances, he contributes to the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity.
5. Environmental Awareness:
   • While specific environmental initiatives are not extensively documented, Badshah has used his platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and sustainable practices.
6. Community Engagement:
   • He has engaged with his fan base and local communities through charity events, meet-and-greets, and social media interactions, fostering community and support among his followers.

Criticism And Controversy

2020: Allegations of Fake Views on “Pagal Hai” Music Video

• Badshah faced allegations from the Mumbai Police in August 2020 for allegedly purchasing fake views for his music video “Pagal Hai” to break YouTube records. Google later refuted the claim of setting any such record, leading to an investigation by the police.

2023: Viacom18 FIR Over Fairplay App

• In 2023, Viacom18 filed an FIR against Badshah and 40 others, accusing them of promoting the Fairplay app for illegally streaming the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The Maharashtra Police Cyber Cell questioned Badshah regarding this matter.

Legacy and Impact

Badshah has left a significant legacy in the Indian music industry, which is marked by his influence on music, critical reception, and honors. Here’s an overview of his legacy and impact: Influence on Music:

• Popularizing Rap and Hip-Hop: Badshah played a pivotal role in popularizing rap and hip-hop music in India, blending traditional Indian musical elements with modern beats and lyrics.
• Cross-Genre Appeal: His ability to fuse Punjabi pop with rap appealed to a broad audience, bridging cultural gaps and contributing to the genre’s mainstream acceptance.
• Global Reach: Songs like “DJ Waley Babu” and “Mercy” gained international recognition, showcasing Badshah’s worldwide appeal and expanding the reach of Indian music on the worldwide stage.

Critical Reception:

• Commercial Success: Many of Badshah’s singles and albums have been commercially successful, consistently topping charts and gaining millions of views on digital platforms.
• Musical Innovation: Critics have praised Badshah for his innovative approach to music production, catchy hooks, and lyrical prowess, which distinguish him as a versatile artist in the industry.

Honors and Awards:

• Filmfare Awards: Badshah has been nominated for and won several Filmfare Awards in the Best Playback Singer and Best Music Director categories.
• Mirchi Music Awards: Badshah also received accolades from the Mirchi Music Awards for his contributions to the music industry.
• MTV Europe Music Awards: Badshah’s impact on the international music scene was recognized with nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards, reflecting his influence beyond India.

Legacy:

• Badshah’s legacy lies in his ability to push boundaries in Indian music, blend cultural influences, and appeal to diverse audiences globally. He has inspired a new generation of musicians and set benchmarks for rap and hip-hop artists in India.
• His contributions to film soundtracks, independent releases, and collaborations have cemented his position as a trailblazer in the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the evolution of Indian pop culture.

 

Business Ventures

Badshah has ventured into various business endeavors alongside his music career. Here are some of his notable business ventures:

1. Clothing Line:
   • Badshah launched his clothing line, Badfit, in collaboration with the fashion brand Fugazee. The line features trendy streetwear and reflects his style.
2. Record Label:
   • He founded his music label called “Badshah Entertainment.” Through this label, Badshah has released his music and supported and promoted emerging artists in the Indian music industry.
3. Brand Endorsements:
   • Badshah has been associated with various brands and endorsed products ranging from apparel to consumer goods. His popularity as a musician and influencer has made him a sought-after figure for brand endorsements.

Awards and Honors

2014:

• Stardust Awards: Best Music Director for the film “Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania”

2015:

• Punjabi Music Awards: Best Duo/Group (with Gippy Grewal) for the song “Oscar”
• Punjabi Music Awards: Best Duo/Group (with Diljit Dosanjh) for the song “Proper Patola”

2016:

• Filmfare Awards: Best Music Director for the film “Kapoor & Sons”

2017:

• Mirchi Music Awards: Listeners’ Choice Song of the Year for the song “Kar Gayi Chull”

2018:

• Zee Cine Awards: Best Music Director for the film “Veere Di Wedding”
• Mirchi Music Awards: Listeners’ Choice Song of the Year for the song “Tareefan”
• MTV Europe Music Awards: Best Indian Act

2019:

• Filmfare Awards Punjabi: Best Music Director for the film “Munda Hi Chahida”
• Zee Cine Awards: Best Music Director for the film “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety”
• Mirchi Music Awards: Listeners’ Choice Independent Music Category for the song “She Move It Like”

2020:

• Mirchi Music Awards: Listeners’ Choice Album of the Year for the album “ONE (Original Never Ends)”

2021:

• Mirchi Music Awards: Listeners’ Choice Song of the Year for the song “Genda Phool”

2022:

• Filmfare Awards: Best Music Director for the film “Gangubai Kathiawadi”

Trivia and Interesting Facts

• Stage Name Inspiration: Badshah adopted his stage name because he admired Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “Badshah of Bollywood.”
• Educational Background: Despite dropping out of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and PEC University, Chandigarh, where he studied civil engineering, Badshah pursued his passion for music instead of academics.
• First Performance: Interestingly, his first rap performance was unexpected; he was playing football and started humming a rap when a DJ overheard him and invited him to perform at a party, which turned out to be at a gay club.
• Family and Relationships: Badshah married Jasmine Masih from 2012 until their divorce in 2020. They have a daughter named Jessemy Grace Masih Singh.
• Musical Collaborations: He started his career in the music industry alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh in the group Mafia Mundeer. Their collaboration on songs like “Get Up Jawani” was pivotal in establishing their presence in the industry.
• Fashion Line: Moreover, he launched his clothing line, Badfit, which features trendy streetwear, in collaboration with the fashion brand Fugazee.
• Philanthropy: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he actively participated in relief efforts and donated to various relief funds, demonstrating his commitment to social causes.
• Interest in Mathematics: During his school days, Badshah had a deep interest in mathematics and was known for his intellectual nature, which contrasted with his image as a rap artist.
• Food and Favorites: Additionally, he has a weakness for ice cream and enjoys Punjabi cuisine. His favorite actors include Shah Rukh Khan and Kevin Hart, and he admires directors like Karan Johar.
• Controversies: Over the years, Badshah has faced controversies, including allegations of purchasing fake views for his music videos and legal issues related to promoting the Fairplay app for streaming cricket matches.