Prathamesh Raut, aka Prathamesh, is a Nagpur rapper who was crowned the winner of the first season of ZEE5’s Legacy on 18th September 2026. A fan favourite throughout the competition, he emerged as the Season 1 winner from a pool of 17 contestants after a two-part grand finale.
What Is Legacy and Why Does It Matter?
Following the success of MTV Hustle, rappers Raftaar and KR$NA, along with Kalamkaar co-founder Ankit Khanna, created Legacy, a hip-hop talent competition on ZEE5. The show was built to scout and promote emerging rap talent from across India, with Raftaar and KR$NA serving as its central judges and mentors. The format follows a path already established by MTV Hustle, whose four winners — M-Zee Bella, MC Square, Uday and Lashcurry — have gone on to build careers in Indian hip-hop. Prathamesh is the first winner of Legacy.
Who Was Prathamesh Before Legacy?
Prathamesh had already been building a name in Nagpur’s hip-hop scene before appearing on the show. He is associated with the Nagpur Moshpit Corporation (NMC) and has worked with artists from the collective, including MTV Hustle Season 4 runner-up Naam Sujal. The two have collaborated on tracks including “Dus Dus Peti” and “Dhanteras.”
In 2024, Prathamesh appeared in influencer and rap critic Rohan Cariappa’s One Minute Rap Challenge Season 3, where he finished as a runner-up. In 2026, he released “MAIN LAGTA KAUN?” with fellow NMC rapper Teja through Def Jam India.
Where Should You Start With Prathamesh?
If you’re discovering Prathamesh, start with:
- “Dhanteras” — with Naam Sujal
- “MAIN LAGTA KAUN?” — with Teja
- “Jua Zindagi” — from his Legacy run
