Badshah On Launching Music Channel After MTV Fallout, Entering Pharma and Alcohol Business: 'Main Lut Gaya'

Badshah, who originally started his career alongside rapper Honey Singh, has evolved into a brand of his own over the years. While he’s widely recognized for his singing, rapping, and music, Badshah has also ventured into various business opportunities beyond entertainment. In a recent interview, he opened up about the different ventures he’s explored—from pharmaceuticals to alcoholic beverages—and even shared how launching his own TV channel after a fallout with MTV impacted his finances.

Speaking with The Lallantop, Badshah recounted the numerous businesses he’s tried over the years. He explained, “I had a fight with MTV with regards to placement. So I took it to my ego and decided to launch a television channel of my own, which would leave MTV behind. It was called Aho. We did beat them in terms of TRP, par main lut gaya (but I incurred losses). We changed the game, we were playing independent songs. We reached out to regional kids, we played their songs. This boosted our ratings. But we had to shut it down.”

Additionally, Badshah revealed his short-lived stint in the pharmaceutical industry: “I have also sold medicines. A friend suggested me that pharmaceutical business has good money, I thought I will try. We sold paracetamol, antibiotics under our brand. It was called Apus Life. But it didn’t earn me any money. So we shut that down too.”

Besides music and pharmaceuticals, Badshah has also expanded into fashion, hospitality, and the beverage industry. “I own several clubs and restaurants in Delhi and Mumbai. In Chandigarh, I own a restaurant called Civil. I also have a lounge there. I have a beer brand too, which is mostly sold in North India. It’s a nice beer. I don’t drink, but I tasted them all,” he shared.

On why he’s keen to diversify his business portfolio, Badshah explained, “I am quite interested in creating revenue streams other than music. I want to see how far I can take it and how far I can leverage my brand.” He further added, “I also have a production house and a clothing line.”

Despite his entrepreneurial pursuits, Badshah remains best known for his chart-topping hits like Genda Phool, Kar Gayi Chull, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai, Garmi, and DJ Waley Babu, among others.