Last year, rapper Badshah made headlines after becoming the first India-born musician to own a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, joining an ultra-exclusive club that includes Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan
and Ajay Devgn. However, the luxury purchase, with an on-road Mumbai price starting at approximately ₹12.45 crore, was far more impulsive than aspirational.
In a recent interaction, the rapper admitted that the decision was taken in the moment and that the thrill of owning one of the world’s most expensive SUVs was surprisingly short-lived.
‘The High Lasted Barely 10–15 Minutes’
Speaking to Curly Tales, Badshah candidly reflected on the emotional rush of the purchase.
“I think buying the car was very impulsive. Jaldi se decide kar liya ki aaj lena hai,” he said, adding that the excitement faded almost instantly. “Badshah wali feeling hai. It’s a good car. 10–15 minute raha tha uska high, and then you’re like, what next?”
For the rapper, the Cullinan was less about long-term gratification and more about ticking off a bucket-list moment.
Wanting the ‘Best of Everything’
Badshah explained that his mindset has always been driven by a desire to experience the best technology and luxury available.
“Mera mann karta hai ki jo bhi best hai technologically wo mere paas ho,” he shared, noting that once something is widely acknowledged as the best, he wants to experience it for himself.
Yet, even with this mindset, the satisfaction remains fleeting.
‘If My House Caught Fire, I’d Save the Car’
When asked to choose between saving luxury items in a crisis, Badshah’s response was blunt and humorous.
“I would save the car. I will have to live in the car then,” he said.
Between ₹5 crore in cash and limited-edition watches, however, he chose the latter without hesitation, reasoning that rare watches often surpass that value over time.
Still Checks Price Tags, Despite the Wealth
Despite his extravagant purchases, Badshah insists he hasn’t lost touch with money.
“I still check the price tag first,” he admitted. “I hope it never comes to a point where I don’t.”
Addressing the frequent label of being a materialist, the rapper defended himself calmly. Loving luxury, he said, does not mean valuing it over people.
‘People Matter More Than Things’
Badshah clarified that relationships always take precedence over possessions.
“If a very good friend crashes my car, I’ll first ask if he’s okay,” he said. Only after ensuring his friend’s safety would the car even matter.
He also revealed that while he spends heavily on watches, he never discloses their real cost to his parents. “I don’t think they would even believe a watch can cost this much,” he laughed.
From Civil Engineer to Rap Icon
Before fame, Badshah worked as a civil engineer and recalled a defining moment from his early career. At just 23, he posed a controversial question to a retiring IAS officer about public perception.
“When a businessman drives a Mercedes, it’s called hard work. When a government officer does, he’s called a thief,” Badshah asked.
The officer’s reply stayed with him: it depends on what your Mercedes represents in your life. The moment, he said, shaped his understanding of wealth, perception, and intention.
