Rapper Badshah launches radio station in Srinagar, urges Kashmiri youth to use social media to bring change

SRINAGAR: Famous Bollywood rapper Badshah urged Kashmiri youth to use social media and You Tube to tell their own stories saying that if oppressed people get voice it brings revolution.

He also trashed the ongoing nepotism debate in Bollywood saying that talent is recognized and always survives in the industry. Badshah was in Srinagar to formally launch Radio Mirchi 98.3FM, which was aired a few weeks back in Kashmir.

“I love Kashmir and I would dream about Kashmir. Everyone should be excited about the result of growing rap culture here. Rap gives a voice and youth here represent their situation. Youth of Kashmir don’t have voice. If oppressed get voice it brings revolution,” Badhshah said during the function here.


He also claimed that he was inspired by a Kashmiri rapper in 2010, who sung a few protest rap songs. “Then I heard he went abroad. Youth in Kashmir should follow such trends and speak up. Youth of Kashmir should also travel abroad on exchange programs to get more exposure.”

Badshah, who recently launched his debut album, O.N.E after giving several Bollywood hits, promised that he would shoot a video in Kashmir soon. He said that Kashmir Valley needs better PR and more and more people should visit Kashmir.

“Kashmir is very political, to an extent that sometimes it is beyond my understanding. But I have realized some people are in business of not having peace in this place,” he said.

The rapper also commented on ongoing nepotism debate in Bollywood saying it was useless and as an outsider he also managed to carve his niche.

“My family struggled even to become middle class. I never knew any Chopra or Johar, but then Karan sir offered me two films, which I could not do for some reasons. It is just that some star kids grow up with directors and they obviously have reference. However, talent emerges in all situations. Only thing is that it may take some extra time,” said Badshah.

On the issue of censorship and criticism of his lyrics, Badshah said, “This issue of censorship is subjective. I am a family rapper. I have mother, sister, wife and daughter. I will never objectify those who protected me. I just take a few musical liberties and use some banter. I see myself as a journalist and reflect what is happening around. People listen to my songs because I am relevant. The moment I will become irrelevant, people will stop listening me.” He claims to have matured over the years and may not be able to write songs like ‘Abhi Tou Party Shuru Hui Hai’ anymore.

“I may now write songs which one can listen during a Shikara ride on Dal Lake and chill. My listeners have also evolved. Change is the rule. Every artist has to respect the change,” he said.

For Badshah, entertainment industry can break barriers and force countries to change policies. “Since Dangal became hit in China, there have been leniencies in policy between the two countries. Entertainment breaks these confusing walls. Entertainment industry has the potential to change the sentiments,” he said.

The 98.3FM regional director Nitin Singh also formally introduced its three jockeys Mehak, Rafia and Vijdan, all from Kashmir Valley.

“We believe in producing original content which is relevant to particular population and region listening to us. There is no repetition of content as well. We also focus on youth in our programs. We hope Kashmir will love what we present to them,” Singh told reporters.