Not everyone has the strength to step up and show the world one’s true colours. But Raftaar — or Dilin Nair — has stepped up to the occasion by launching a 16-song album titled Mr Nair. The Telegraph caught up with the Delhi-based rapper over phone.
Why did you decide to make Mr Nair, which revolves around you?
It was the best way to describe myself… if I wanted to put out an autobiography then I would give this album. And it is also about cherishing the name that made me who I am today.
With 16 songs, it is a long album, compared to most efforts that we get to hear. How long did it take to put the album together?
We actually did 26 songs last year or one-and-a-half years ago. These are the first 16 we could complete properly, be it in technical, lyrical or creative departments. I still have a lot more. So anytime soon!
Why do you think now is a good time to release an album?
Because people are not just listening to the album, they are trying to understand it.
Since the album is around you, was the launch nerve-wrecking?
To be honest, I was kind of scared the night before the album launched (April 13). I didn’t know how people would react because most are scared at the moment. But people have received it well so far. If I calculate the number of positive responses I have received in my life, it still wouldn’t add up to the amount that I’ve received for this album. It’s a new step for me, it’s a new phase for me.
Do you still have some untold stories?
Many, because each day is a new story. Each day is a new learning experience. Since the album was prepared and it dropped, so much has happened. I’m ready with an idea for another album. So these stories will never stop as long as we keep observing people and observing what is happening around us and have this ability to turn emotions into poetry… this is never going to stop.
In Damn you rap about not allowing criticism get in the way of accomplishments. In Main wahi hoon you highlight the importance of your value system. Why didn’t you present these ideas earlier? Why did you hold back these thoughts?
I’ve always given bits and pieces of these emotions in different tracks also but I’ve never dedicated songs for each of my emotions. So this time while keeping it enjoyable, I’ve tried to incorporate everything that has happened in my life. I never wanted multiple emotions to be in the same song because that way I am not able to stay in one zone. So that is the first thing I tried (for the album). And the part about holding on to these thoughts, I think it was better that I held it back because now I have delivered it better than I would have earlier. The craftsmanship is better than what it was when I started. I’m glad whatever was stopping me, was stopping me.
So the album is a representation of your growth?
It is a celebration of my life. It’s just not based on the fact that if you do this then you would become Raftaar, right? What I’m saying is learn from your mistakes and learn from everything. And if you can use the positive aspects of that, it would definitely help you because it worked for me.
Some of the artistes featured on the album are Shah Rule, KR$NA, Yunan, Deep Kalsi, Harjas and Rashmeet Kaur. Given the fact that the album reflects your personality, why the collaborations?
The most beautiful part is that all these guys are signed to me. I have a label called Kalamkar to which these artistes are signed to. These guys are a part of the family because I believe in them and I saw a piece of myself in them. And to have them say my story is even better because they have been around me, they understand my emotions and they see me as a family member… I wanted to keep this in the family. I have so many friends in the industry, there are so many people who lovingly agree when I ask them for anything. But I wanted to keep this in the family.
Is the album dearer than your other releases?
Every release is a part of my emotion. Every song, every creation by any artiste is his or her baby, right? So I wouldn’t say that others don’t fall in the same category but yes, this is the best compilation I could have put forward. It’s a compilation of all my emotions, it’s not segregated.
Who did you dedicate this album to?
This album is dedicated to my family. I have said a lot about family… that’s why I kept the name of the album Mr Nair. When I was a kid I used to ask my mom: “Why is our last name Nair? Why is my name Dilin Nair? It’s so weird. Everyone in class has a name that people understand. People don’t even write my name properly. I have to say my name thrice.” When I grew up I realised how childish it was of me to not understand the legacy that comes with a name and not understand how one’s family is formed. When I understood this I was in a dilemma about when I would be able to accept this before the entire world. I became Raftaar because of Dilin Nair. So this is dedicated to the family and to the name I have.
Raftaar Rahul Jhangiani
Songs and their stories
Dilli waali baatcheet: It is about my values in Delhi and what I feel. It has got a hint of Damn’s flavour but the zones are different, the type of music is different. One is a boomkat melody and the other is trap. Coming down to its root, it’s the same: My values, what I learnt from Delhi, what I felt like saying as a boy from Delhi and how I would present an emotion. Delhi and Bombay slangs are different but we all say the same thing. Most of us come from small families, we all see the same struggles and difficulties, the hustle our parents have to go through. But this is a story from the point of view of a Delhi boy.
Drama: It is about an independent woman who can handle herself, party and do anything. She is not about drama. She knows how to live life.
Bottal wargi: This is a fun song. It’s about how I don’t need to drink because you look like a bottle to me. We all make these promotional numbers but the fun part is when you can do the same without provoking anyone.
