Desi Hip-Hop Stars are not afraid of participating, hosting or judging a reality show. Just like Bollywood and TV stars, they can also do such reality shows and show their real personality to the world. From singing to dance-based reality shows, these Desi Hip-Hop Stars have pushed the hip-hop culture to a further extent. As a matter of fact, in the past no one actually knew much about these stars. In fact, at that time Bollywood had no clue what rap was!
After becoming a known face in the industry through their music, reality shows helped these artists to reach out to a wider audience. From Yo! Yo! Honey Singh to Raftaar, all have participated in a reality show. They gained lots of love and encouragement and even more followers by doing such shows.
List Of Desi Hip-Hop Stars Who Were A Part Of Reality Shows
1. Yo! Yo! Honey Singh
Yo! Yo! Honey Singh did a show called “Raw Star” which was aired on Star Plus. As a matter of fact, this show was all about providing a platform to find the ultimate performing artist who, with an unconventional and original style, can bring in a visual experience to music. Also, at that time, Honey Singh mentioned in his interviews that he was looking for an artist who can go beyond only singing and create a distinct style of music, irrespective of his/her singing language or music genre.
(Yo!Yo! Honey Singh During Raw Star)
However, Yo! Yo! Honey Singh had to leave the show midway because of his medical condition as the rapper was suffering from bipolar disorder. At that time Himesh Reshammiya had replaced him but after that Arijit Singh was the new mentor for contestants on the show. Darshan Raval, Mohit Gaur and Rituraj Mohanty reached the finale of India’s Raw Star. Rituraj Mohanty was announced as the winner of the show.
2. Badshah
Badshah too did a reality show last year which goes by the name of “Dil Hai Hindustani”. This was for the first time, Badshah was seen on the judging panel alongside Karan Johar, Shalmali Kholgade and Shekhar Ravjiani. The show promised to bring global music zest redefining the power of Bollywood music. They also invited performers from varied genres with unique singing styles.
(Official Poster For Dil Hai Hindustani)
The musical reality show Dil Hai Hindustani was one kind of a show. In this show, the aspirants who had a keen interest and love for singing had participated. Singers from the age group of 5 to 50 years got a chance to perform in front of four judges. The selected contestants moved to next level of showing their talent. International contestants also participated on the show on one condition, that they had to sing Hindi songs only. Oman’s Haitham Mohammed Rafi won the show, while Barnali and Euphony band were runners-up of the show.
3. Raftaar
Dilin Nair aka Raftaar did two reality shows in his career till now. Before his stardom, he participated in the reality show “DID Doubles” under the name of Max with Manik, his dancing partner. After stardom, Raftaar did another dancing show “Jhalak Dikkhala Jaa”. He participated in this show with Sneha.
(Still From Raftaar’s Performance In “Jhalak Dikkhala Jaa”)
Raftaar mentioned in an interview, “There would hardly be a rapper in India who dances and knows many dance styles. I was initially a dancer and taught hip-hop dance forms for a couple of years. And it is my love for music that turned me into a musician. I did Jhalak because I think I can revive my love for dance.”
4. Hard Kaur
Hard Kaur happens to be the first female rapper in the country who got recognition for her work. In fact, you can say that she is the one who opened the door for female rappers to portray this genre of music professionally. Vivacious, tomboyish and blunt, Kaur admits that the rap and hip-hop industry is a male-dominated territory and she had to struggle to carve a niche for herself. She was born in Chandigarh and later she moved to London in 1991 where she did her schooling.
Hard Kaur raps, she dances and she blows your mind with her “don’t give a damn” attitude. The “Ek Galassy” fame rapper did one reality show as a dancer which was “Jhalak Dikkhala Jaa”. She participated in this show with her choreographer Savio.
(Still From Hard Kaur’s Performance In “Jhalak Dikkhala Jaa”)
She stated in an interview, “Bollywood is in my blood. Even though I was in London for 16 years, I always knew that I would come back to India. You just can’t run away from your roots and I’m enjoying every bit of attention.” Hard Kaur made a comeback this year with her mixtape The Rising Vol. 1 featuring some of the most talented underground rap artists.