Badshah - Ek Tha Raja | All Songs

Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, universally known by his stage name Badshah, is a titan of the Indian music industry. He has cemented his legacy as a multi-talented artist—a rapper, singer, songwriter, music producer, and television personality—who single-handedly brought desi hip-hop to the forefront of mainstream culture. His music, a powerful fusion of hip-hop, pop, and traditional Indian sounds, has captivated a global audience.

Born on November 19, 1985, in Delhi, Badshah's initial pursuits were academic. A brilliant student, he was a National Olympiad gold medalist in mathematics and had a near-perfect CAT score. His educational journey included a brief stint at the prestigious St. Stephen's College in Delhi before he transferred to Punjab Engineering College (PEC) in Chandigarh to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Despite his academic success, he felt an undeniable pull towards music. He has often stated that he was a musician who "happened to be a civil engineer," and he never truly enjoyed his work on construction sites.

Badshah's career began in 2006 as a member of the hip-hop group Mafia Mundeer, alongside artists like Yo Yo Honey Singh, Raftaar, and Ikka. The group became a popular force in the underground scene, but creative differences led to their separation in 2012.

His solo career began with independent singles, but his big break came with the song "Saturday Saturday," which was later included in the 2014 film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. This marked his grand entry into Bollywood, where his signature style quickly made him a superstar.

Badshah's music is characterized by its infectious beats, witty lyrics, and a sound that is a mix of genres. His work can be broadly categorized into Bollywood soundtracks and his independent albums.

• Bollywood Hits: He has delivered an unparalleled list of hits for films, often rewriting the record books. Notable songs include:
  • "Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai" (Khoobsurat, 2014)
  • "Kala Chashma" (Baar Baar Dekho, 2016)
  • "Tareefan" (Veere Di Wedding, 2018)
  • "Garmi" (Street Dancer 3D, 2020)
  • "Naina" (Crew, 2024)
• Independent Albums & Singles: He has also released several critically acclaimed albums, showcasing his evolution as an artist.
  • O.N.E. (Original Never Ends) (2018): His debut album featured chart-toppers like "DJ Waley Babu" and "Mercy."
  • The Power of Dreams of a Kid (2020): A more personal and reflective album.
  • "Genda Phool" (2020): This single was a massive success, blending modern rap with traditional Bengali folk music.
  • "Paani Paani" (2021): An instant hit that became a viral sensation.
  • "Voodoo" (2022): An international collaboration with Latin music superstars J Balvin and Tainy, which demonstrated his global appeal.
  • Ek Tha Raja (2024): His latest album featuring the hit "God Damn."

Badshah's on-screen presence extends beyond his music videos. He made his acting debut in the 2019 film Khandaani Shafakhana, where he played a music superstar. He has also made cameo appearances in films like Good Newwz and Ek Villain Returns.

On television, he is a familiar face and a highly respected figure. He has served as a judge on several major reality shows, including:

• MTV Hustle
• Indian Idol
• India's Got Talent

His role as a mentor and judge has earned him a reputation for being encouraging and insightful, helping to discover and nurture new talent in the Indian music scene.

Badshah's career is marked by an extensive list of accolades and record-breaking statistics. He is a recipient of multiple Mirchi Music Awards and holds the record for being the Indian artist with the most songs to have crossed 200 million views on YouTube. His songs have consistently topped charts globally, and his music videos have accumulated billions of views, a testament to his immense popularity. He was also featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list as one of the highest-paid celebrities in the country.

Despite his success, Badshah has faced controversies, including legal issues over the lyrical content of his songs, which have occasionally been criticized for being provocative or for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. He has also been involved in a long-running public rivalry with his former bandmate, Yo Yo Honey Singh, a topic that has often been a source of media speculation. He is known for his outspoken nature and is often seen as a voice for the hip-hop community.