If you don’t know who Badshah is, you might be sleeping under a rock. Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, better know as Badshah, is an Indian rapper and music composer. He’s known for hits such as ‘She Move It Like,’ his feature in ‘Wakhra Swag’ with Navv Inder, or his latest ‘Paagal’ which set a record of 75 million views on YouTube in one day.
In partnership with Sony Music India, our team got exclusive access to connect with Badshah and learn more about how he got started, his music career, and what to expect next.
The Interview
For those who may not know you, tell us a little bit about yourself
Badshah: I am just a guy with a dream of being remembered forever.
You have an unconventional story where you pursued music first, and then engineering. How did that happen? We heard that you worked full time and invested that money into your music career.
Badshah: Yes, I studied engineering because my parents wanted me to definitely complete my studies and I respected their wishes at the point of time. I have always been interested in studying and learning as a general process, so it wasn’t really a task for me. I also joined a government job as a civil engineer after finishing my studies. It was at this time that I decided that I definitely want to pursue my career in music, and of course what I earned as salary from the job was being spent on the studio and getting music made.
What motivated you through the process? How did you overcome any struggles?
Badshah: It has taken me a very long time to reach the point of recognition. But I don’t really call it a struggle because I feel it’s a part of the process for me that is destined. The hard work is a constant process that will stay through my entire journey.
What’s the best piece of advice you got when starting your music career?
Badshah: Be true to yourself. Find your identity and make a statement with that. Do not try to copy anyone. You have a 100% chance of making a mark with your original identity.
Who are some of your musical influences? Who are some of your personal influences?
Badshah: I have grown up listening to a lot of international artists. I have been lucky to have witnessed the complete UK Bhangra revolution and artists like PMC, Jazzy B, and the likes bringing together global sounds with Punjabi music.
Badshah: I have also obviously grown up on and loved the whole 90s Bollywood scene of Anand Milind, Jatin Lalit, and Kumar Sanu whom I deeply admire. I look back on them when I am working on my Bollywood projects.
Let’s shift to your music, what do you prefer more, rapping or singing in Punjabi/Hindi?
Badshah: I have been singing now since the past year with Tareefan, Koka, and more track up for release. The entire music making process is fun, I don’t think it is restricted to any specific method.
Can you tell us what it’s like to come up with a song? (From the time you come up with the idea to the final product.)
Badshah: I truly believe it’s a gift. And I am just a medium. This whole structure of cracking a beat and then a concept for the writing and then a flow that merges seamlessly with the flow is what comes naturally to me. Then putting it on a software and packaging it is the mechanical process of presenting a song.
What’s it like working with artists such as A.R. Rahman and other musicians in the Bollywood industry?
Badshah: My complete journey has been an extremely enriching experience. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest talents from across the globe and one thing I have constantly learnt from everyone is discipline.
Who are some artists you’ve enjoyed previously working with? Who are some artists you’d like to work with in the future?
Badshah: I have been at work for very long durations on Dil Hai Hindustani with Karan Sir and Shekhar Sir and Shalmali on the first season and then Pritam Sir and Sunidhi Chauhan Ma’am on the second season. And these two seasons are going down in history as some of the best times I have had.
Badshah: Vishal Dadlani is also a bomb to work with. I find maximum peace in working by myself or with my co-arranger Aditya Dev, with whom I have produced my maximum singles and my first album, O.N.E.
Since your song ‘Wakhra Swag’ with Navv Inder, have you considered releasing more desi hip hop / Punjabi type music?
Badshah: I released Grandfather, my first solo Haryanvi single. I will forever continue to write and make music in my native languages because that I believe is the best way I can give back to my roots.
Do you see yourself working with Urban South Asian artists like Mickey Singh, The PropheC, Zack Knight, or others?
I have worked with Raxstar on Bandook for MTV Spoken Word, one of the songs closest to me. I have worked with Mickey Singh on my first self- curated digital production Lockdown. I think he is a very talented guy waiting for great things to happen to him. I am always up for working with any of my fellow artists on something interesting.
What can we expect next from you? Can fans expect a tour from you?
A tour is definitely in the cards for 2020. And a lot of exciting new music!
Drawing from his journey, Badshah’s story is a powerful reminder that success is a marathon, not a sprint. From an engineering student to a music icon, he has demonstrated that passion, persistence, and staying true to yourself are the keys to carving out a unique identity in a competitive world. As he looks ahead to a new tour and more music, his unwavering dedication to his craft and his roots continues to inspire, proving that with hard work and a clear vision, dreams truly can be remembered forever.
