Aug
Prime Feature
With ‘Chimna’, Badshah Puts A Contemporary Spin On Maharashtra’s Folk Spirit
Mumbai, 31st August 2026: Badshah expands his musical canvas with ‘Chimna’, his first-ever Marathi hip-hop record, released today. The high-energy track brings together contemporary hip-hop with traditional Marathi folk textures, creating a sound that feels rooted yet distinctly modern. Built around themes of culture, community and celebration, ‘Chimna’ sees the rapper explore a new regional sound while retaining the commercial energy that has defined his music. The release also reflects Badshah’s larger interest in connecting with India’s diverse musical cultures through contemporary collaborations.
The track takes its cultural cues directly from Maharashtra, with its music video filmed entirely in Kolhapur. Instead of relying on stylised sets, the visual captures the texture of everyday local life, from lively wedding processions and daily wage workers to mud wrestlers training inside a traditional akhada. Marathi actress Neha Khan adds to the video’s energetic presence, while the vibrant treatment brings together regional authenticity and a contemporary pop aesthetic. The result is a celebration of Maharashtra that feels colourful, immediate and firmly connected to its surroundings.
Watch the song here:
Musically, ‘Chimna’ brings together an eclectic creative team featuring Bollywood playback singer Divya Kumar and Marathi folk artist Nagesh Morwekar, with production led by Hiten. The song opens with the traditional Marathi folk lines about a sparrow awakening a beloved at sunrise before moving into Badshah’s punchy hip-hop verses. This interplay between folk poetry and contemporary rap gives the track its distinct character. By incorporating Marathi language, folk textures and local references into a modern hip-hop framework, Badshah creates a cross-generational sound designed to connect with audiences beyond conventional regional boundaries.
Talking about the song Badshah says, “India’s regional music is a goldmine and I want to celebrate every corner of it. ‘Chimna’ is my love letter to Maharashtra’s rich creative canvas. I am incredibly grateful for how this project turned out, and this one’s dedicated to all my day one Maharashtrian fans!”
With ‘Chimna’, Badshah continues to position regional culture at the centre of his evolving musical identity. His latest release celebrates Maharashtra while reinforcing a broader idea that India’s different musical roots can coexist within one contemporary soundscape. For Badshah, the song is also a tribute to his Maharashtrian listeners and the culture that inspired the project. Now available across major streaming platforms, ‘Chimna’ arrives as an upbeat regional debut that combines folk heritage, hip-hop attitude and the unmistakable energy of a modern celebration.
