Personal Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Dilin Nair |
Stage Name | Raftaar |
Date of Birth | November 16, 1988 |
Age | 35 years (2024) |
Birthplace | Trivandrum, Kerala |
Nationality | Indian |
Education | Bachelor of Computer Application |
Ethnicity | Malayali |
Height | 5’8″ |
Religion | Hindu |
Family Information
Relation | Details |
---|---|
Father | K.K Devdasan (Indian Railways employee) |
Mother | Lalitha Nair (typist) |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Ex-Wife | Komal Vohra (2016-2022) |
Early Life and Background
Born as Dilin Nair in Trivandrum, Kerala, Raftaar grew up in Delhi in modest circumstances. His father worked as a cleaner with Indian Railways while his mother was a typist. The family’s first home was a one-room apartment in Munirka, Delhi, where they shared kitchen and toilet facilities with six other families.
His early years were challenging, marked by frequent bullying in school due to his economic circumstances. This led to him changing schools six times, attending institutions including:
- Mount Abu Public School, New Delhi
- Sachdeva Public School, Rohini
- Shiva Shiksha Sadan, Sonipat
Musical Journey
Discovery of Hip-Hop
Raftaar’s life changed in Class IX when a friend gave him a CD containing songs by Eminem and Linkin Park. This introduction to hip-hop resonated with his natural sense of rhyme and sharp mind, providing him an artistic outlet for his experiences.
Early Career (2008-2012)
- Started recording songs with Lil Golu and Young Amli (now Ikka)
- Joined Mafia Mundeer group with Yo Yo Honey Singh
- Worked as a dance teacher earning Rs. 150 per student
- Participated in Dance India Dance as “Max” with partner Manik
Breakthrough (2013-2016)
- Released “Swag Mera Desi” with Manj Musik in 2013
- Won Best Urban Song at Brit Asia TV Music Awards 2014
- Participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8 (2015)
- Signed with Zee Music Company in 2016
Professional Achievements
Awards
- 2014: Best Urban Song (Britasia Music Awards)
- 2016: Best Music Director (PTC Punjabi Music Awards)
- 2016: Best Club Song of The Year (PTC Punjabi Music Awards)
- 2018: Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award
Notable Albums and EPs
- Zero to Infinity (2018)
- Mr. Nair (2020)
- BAR’ISH EP (2020-21)
- HARD DRIVE Vol. 1 (2022)
Acting Career
In 2023, Raftaar made his acting debut with “Bajao,” a musical comedy series on JioCinema. The show follows three filmmakers navigating the Punjabi pop music world after being entrusted with Rs. 2 crore for a music video.
Personal Life
Marriage and Divorce
Raftaar married interior designer Komal Vohra in 2016. However, the couple filed for divorce in June 2022 after six years of marriage.
Interests and Hobbies
- Traveling
- Gym workouts
- Dance
- Music composition
- Car collection (owns Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lamborghini)
Musical Style and Impact
Language Versatility
Despite being Malayali, Raftaar learned Punjabi, Haryanvi, and Hindi while growing up in Delhi. This multicultural background influences his music, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences.
Collaborations
Has worked with numerous artists across industries:
- Manj Musik
- Vishal Dadlani
- KR$NA
- Deep Kalsi
- Salim Merchant
Legacy and Influence
Raftaar has evolved from a background dancer to one of India’s most successful rappers. His journey represents the growth of Indian hip-hop, bridging regional and linguistic barriers while maintaining authenticity in his art.