Badshah is a prominent Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, music producer and composer, known for his contribution to Hindi, Punjabi and contemporary Indian pop music. He is recognised for combining rap and hip-hop with mainstream Bollywood and Punjabi music.
Some of his best-known songs include “DJ Waley Babu,” “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai,” “Genda Phool,” “Paani Paani,” “Jugnu,” “Kar Gayi Chull,” “Mercy,” “Wakhra Swag” and “Paagal.”
Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, professionally known as Badshah, was born on 19 November 1985 in New Delhi, India. He developed an interest in music while growing up and initially pursued a career in engineering before moving toward music.
Badshah began his professional music career as part of the hip-hop group Mafia Mundeer, where he worked alongside artists including Yo Yo Honey Singh. His early work helped establish him within India's emerging hip-hop and rap scene.
He subsequently launched his solo career and adopted the stage name Badshah. His independent music combined Hindi and Punjabi lyrics with contemporary hip-hop and electronic production, helping bring rap music to a much wider mainstream audience.
His breakthrough as a solo artist came with “DJ Waley Babu”, featuring Aastha Gill. Released in 2015, the song became a major commercial success and established Badshah as one of India's leading mainstream rappers.
He followed this success with numerous popular singles, including “Mercy,” “Paagal,” “Genda Phool,” “Paani Paani,” “Jugnu” and “Body.” His music frequently combines rap verses with catchy pop hooks, making his songs popular in clubs, films and mainstream music charts.
Badshah has also made a significant contribution to Bollywood music. He has written, composed and performed songs for films such as Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, Baar Baar Dekho, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Good Newwz and others.
His songs “Kar Gayi Chull” from Kapoor & Sons, “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai” from Khoobsurat, “Saturday Saturday” from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and “Wakhra Swag” became major commercial hits.
Badshah has collaborated with numerous Indian and international artists, including Diljit Dosanjh, Aastha Gill, Neha Kakkar, Sunanda Sharma, Payal Dev and Karan Aujla. His collaborations have helped bridge the gap between Indian hip-hop, Punjabi music and mainstream Bollywood.
He has also appeared as a judge and mentor on television music and talent shows, including India's Got Talent and Hip Hop India. Through television, he has played a role in promoting hip-hop and contemporary music to a broader Indian audience.
Badshah has received several music-industry awards and nominations throughout his career. He is regarded as one of the artists who helped take Indian rap and hip-hop into mainstream commercial music.