While fans across India groove to Badshah’s chart-topping songs, many might not know that the rapper is also a huge basketball enthusiast. Recently, Badshah shared glimpses of his life currently on Instagram,
sparking excitement among fans. The photos that grabbed the most attention were from his appearance at the NBA Pre-Season Game 2 between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks held in Abu Dhabi.
In the snapshots, Badshah posed alongside Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh and Afghan cricket sensation Rashid Khan, sharing smiles and camaraderie. The trio looked effortlessly stylish while enjoying the high-energy NBA atmosphere.
Fashion Highlights from Badshah, Ranveer Singh and Rashid Khan
Badshah kept it casual yet fashionable in a denim co-ord set, perfectly blending comfort with style. Ranveer Singh, known for his bold fashion choices, sported a black Amiri jacket paired with red-tinted sunglasses, exuding a high-energy vibe in sync with the NBA night. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan opted for a dark blue shirt, dark pants and a cap, maintaining a sleek and sporty look.
The game took place on October 4 and it’s worth noting that Ranveer Singh has been the NBA India brand ambassador since 2021, frequently attending NBA games alongside other celebrities. Badshah, being a passionate sports fan, also shared a video highlighting his experience at the match, giving fans an insider view of the event.
Badshah Becomes First Indian Rapper to Cross 5 Billion Spotify Streams
In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian music, Badshah has become the first Indian rapper to surpass 5 billion streams on Spotify across all his credits. This milestone establishes him as one of the most influential figures in both Asian and global hip-hop.
By reaching this mark, Badshah joins an exclusive circle of Asian solo artists, including Jungkook of BTS, Joji and Mitski, who have achieved similar global recognition. Among hip-hop artists, he is the second Asian rapper to accomplish this feat, following Suga from BTS, who holds the record as the first Korean male rapper to cross the 5-billion-stream threshold.
Badshah’s Global Influence and Spotify Success
Badshah’s achievement highlights the growing global reach of Indian music and the rise of desi hip-hop on international platforms. On Spotify alone, he boasts over 30 million followers and 18 million monthly listeners, with his tracks resonating across languages and cultures worldwide.
Some of his biggest hits — including Kala Chashma,Genda Phool,DJ Waley Babu, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and Paani Paani have redefined India’s contemporary pop and hip-hop scene. Known for infectious hooks and signature swagger, Badshah has firmly established himself as a defining voice in mainstream Indian music.
Ranking Among India’s Most Streamed Artists
Within India, Badshah now stands among the most-streamed artists, alongside legends like Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla and the late Sidhu Moosewala. Each of these artists has not only dominated their respective genres but also extended the global footprint of Indian music, bringing local sounds to international audiences.