Rising Starfall: The Forgotten Story of India’s First Rapper, from Underground Success to Underworld Threats
India’s First Rapper: Baba Sehgal’s Fell Out of Fame Due to Underworld Threats
For a brief period, Baba Sehgal was the most popular rapper in India, even surpassing the likes of Yo Yo Honey Singh, Badshah, and Raftaar. But, his reign at the top was cut short due to threats from the underworld. In this exclusive, we’ll delve into the life and struggles of India’s first rapper, who had to leave India to save his life.
Rise to Fame in the 90s
Baba Sehgal was one of the pioneering figures in Indian rap music. As early as the 1990s, his music cassettes were selling like hotcakes, and his music videos were a hit among audiences. Songs like "Thanda Thanda Paani" and "Aaja Meri Gaadi Mein Baith Jaa" catapulted him to superstardom, making him a household name in India.
Downfall: Underworld Threats
However, Baba Sehgal’s success was not without its challenges. He began receiving extortion calls from the underworld, which initially he took lightly. But the murder of music mogul Gulshan Kumar, founder of T-Series, left him shaken. The threats became too real, and he became fearful for his life, deciding to quit the Indian music industry and move to Singapore.
New Beginnings in Singapore, but a Return to India
Sehgal started a business in Singapore, but it failed, prompting him to return to India. He then joined Zee TV’s popular show "Phillips Top Ten," but the experience did not replicate his earlier success. However, he landed a role in the film Rikshavodu, where he sang the song "Roop Thera Masthana" alongside another singer, Sujatha. The song became a hit, helping him regain some of his lost popularity.
A Comeback
In recent years, Baba Sehgal has made a comeback, composing songs and penning lyrics for films like Katrina Kaif’s "Phone Bhoot," which featured the hit theme song. His latest track, "Life Teri Set Hai Bhai," has been a huge success, with fans praising the "original rapper of India" for his return to form.
Current Life and Legacy
Baba Sehgal is now an independent artist, and his music is more introspective, giving a glimpse into his personal struggles and experiences. His journey serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by artists in the face of external threats and pressure.
In conclusion, Baba Sehgal’s story is a testament to the highs and lows of a career in the competitive entertainment industry. While he may no longer be in the spotlight, his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists and fans alike.
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[Source: India.com, March 2, 2025, 5:56 PM IST]
Tags: baba sehgal, baba sehgal songs, baba sehgal movies, baba sehgal life, what is baba sehgal doing, why did baba sehgal leave India
Original Source: https://www.india.com/entertainment/meet-indias-first-rapper-was-more-popular-than-honey-singh-badshah-raftaar-career-got-ruined-due-to-threats-from-underworld-left-india-he-is-baba-sehgal-7650323/
Category : Entertainment,baba sehgal,baba sehgal famous songs,Baba Sehgal life,baba sehgal movies,baba sehgal songs,what is baba sehgal doing,why did baba sehgal leave india
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Publish Date: 2025-03-02 17:56:00
