Nakash Aziz
A versatile Indian vocalist who evolved from A.R. Rahman's protege into a hitmaker known for injecting infectious, contemporary energy into Bollywood dance tracks.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Indian music composer and singer·Birthday: February 24·Millennials
Biography
Nakash Aziz's voice is a familiar shot of adrenaline in modern Bollywood, but his path to the microphone began behind the scenes. Hailing from a musical family in Bhatkal, Karnataka, he moved to Chennai with dreams of composition, landing a pivotal role as an assistant to the maestro A.R. Rahman. For years, Aziz worked in the shadows, absorbing Rahman's process on films like 'Delhi-6' and 'Rockstar'. His break came not as a composer, but as a singer, when his distinct, youthful tone was tapped for a catchy promotional song. This led to 'Jabra Fan' for Shah Rukh Khan, a viral sensation that cemented his place as a playback singer. Aziz carved a niche with high-energy, often cheeky dance numbers like 'Gandi Baat' and 'Sari Ke Fall Sa', his delivery blending contemporary pop sensibility with Bollywood's rhythmic demands. He represents a new generation of singers who are as comfortable with electronic beats as classical melodies, building a successful career from the foundation of a rigorous musical education.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Nakash was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nakash Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Nakash's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Gained widespread recognition for singing the viral hit 'Jabra Fan' from the film 'Fan', starring Shah Rukh Khan.
- Has delivered multiple chart-topping dance tracks, including 'Gandi Baat' from 'R...Rajkumar' and 'Dhating Nach' from 'Phata Poster Nikhla Hero'.
- Worked extensively as an assistant composer to A.R. Rahman on major film scores like 'Highway' and 'Raanjhanaa'.
- Won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Kannada for the song 'Bombe' from 'Katheyondu Shuruvagide'.
Did You Know?
He is the son of noted Konkani singer and composer Aziz Babu.
He initially aspired to be a music composer and worked as A.R. Rahman's assistant for nearly a decade before his singing career took off.
He is a trained percussionist and often programs rhythms for his own songs.
“A song must first move the composer before it can move a listener.”
