Daksh Pendharker aka Dhadkan has taken the MTV Hustle 5 Apna Homeground trophy and a cash prize of a crore rupees home – all the way to Sonipat. He was announced as winner on the finale episode of the fifth season of the rap and hip-hop reality TV show on October 11. Dhadkan’s win was expected by fans since his Performer of the Week title on the first week on the show.
What is MTV Hustle?
MTV Hustle, launched by MTV India in 2019, was India’s first hip-hop and rap reality show. Built to give into underground talent a national platform, it has introduced rappers like M-Zee Bella, MC Square, Naam Sujal, Siyaahi, Paradox, Panther, Burrah, Vichaar, and Pho to the mainstream – many of whom return as Squad Bosses (mentors for new contestants) and guest judges on the show. This season’s theme was “Apna Homeground,” with a ₹1 crore winner’s prize, the biggest in the show’s history.
Who was Dhadkan before MTV Hustle?
Dhadkan carved out his niche in the NCR underground long before he reached the MTV Hustle stage. True to the season’s theme of repping where you came from, the Haryana-raised independent producer, beatboxer, and rapper moves between Haryanvi, Hindi and Marathi with a fast, chopper-style flow. He has released music with the Delhi-based rap crew ElevenEleven, who have opened for Seedhe Maut on their DL91 Tour in the past.
Where should you start with Dhadkan?
If you’re discovering Dhadkan, start with:
- “Sonipat Mera Hood” — an independent release
- “Fan Ho Gayi” — from his MTV Hustle run
- “Dhadkan Hi Darji” — with Nashak, Hash Boi
