Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3 Contestant Naved Shaikh Biography
From Kurla’s Grit to Bigg Boss Fame: The Inspiring Journey of Naezy ‘The Baa’
Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3 Contestant: Naved Shaikh (Naezy) Biography
Naved Shaikh, widely known by his stage name Naezy “The Baa”, is a name that has become synonymous with the Indian rap scene. Born in 1993 in the bustling neighborhood of Kurla, Mumbai. Naezy’s journey from the narrow lanes of his locality to the bright lights of the entertainment industry is nothing short of inspiring. His contributions to the genre have not only revolutionized Indian hip-hop but also inspired a new generation of rappers to find their voice in the streets.
In 2024, Naezy took on a new challenge by joining the cast of Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3. He quickly became a fan favorite and finished as the runner-up. This article delves into the life and career of Naezy, tracing his roots, his rise to fame, and his impact on the music industry.
Naved Shaikh: Early Life and Background
Naezy was born in 1993 in Kurla 70, a locality in Mumbai that would later become a significant influence on his music. Raised in a modest household in Ram Bachan Chawl. Naezy’s upbringing was marked by the struggles and hardships typical of many working-class families in Mumbai. His father, Shahid Raza, worked in Dubai, leaving Naezy’s mother, Farhin Raza, to raise him and his siblings. The absence of his father for much of his childhood and the challenging conditions of his neighborhood shaped Naezy’s outlook on life and provided the raw material for his future lyrics.
As a teenager, Naezy found himself on the wrong side of the law, a turning point that led him to seek solace and expression through music. This turbulent phase in his life was pivotal. As it channeled his energies into rap—a medium through which he could articulate his experiences and those of others around him.
The Genesis of Naezy: The Rapper
Naezy’s introduction to rap was not through the conventional channels. He began by listening to old-school hip-hop, which he discovered through the internet. The genre’s raw, unfiltered expression resonated with him, leading him to write his first rap songs. His early work was heavily influenced by the socio-political landscape of his surroundings, and he quickly became known for his hard-hitting lyrics that addressed the realities of life in the slums of Mumbai.
His debut track, “Aafat!”, was a game-changer. Released in 2014, the song was entirely self-produced, with Naezy recording it on an iPad. The music video, shot in the streets of his neighborhood, captured the gritty essence of Mumbai’s underbelly. “Aafat!” went viral, marking Naezy’s entry into the mainstream music scene and laying the foundation for the gully rap movement in India.
Collaboration with DIVINE and the Breakout Hit: “Mere Gully Mein”
Following the success of “Aafat!”, Naezy collaborated with another rising star in the Indian rap scene, DIVINE. The two rappers shared similar backgrounds and a common vision of bringing gully rap to the forefront of Indian music. Their collaboration resulted in the iconic track “Mere Gully Mein” in 2015.
“Mere Gully Mein” was more than just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. The track brought international attention to the Mumbai rap scene and highlighted the struggles and triumphs of life in the gullies (lanes) of the city. The song’s success not only catapulted Naezy and DIVINE to stardom but also set the stage for the rise of Indian hip-hop as a legitimate genre.
The Impact of “Gully Boy” and Naezy’s Cinematic Legacy
The success of “Mere Gully Mein” caught the attention of Bollywood director Zoya Akhtar. Who was inspired to create a film based on the Mumbai rap scene. The result was “Gully Boy” (2019), a film that became a massive hit and brought the story of Indian street rappers to the big screen. While the character of Murad, played by Ranveer Singh, was a fictional amalgamation. It was heavily inspired by the lives of Naezy and DIVINE.
Naved Shaikh was closely involved in the film’s production. It,s consulting on the rap aspects and ensuring the authenticity of the representation. The film’s soundtrack featured a reimagined version of “Mere Gully Mein,” with Ranveer Singh taking over Naezy’s verses. “Gully Boy” not only introduced Indian hip-hop to a wider audience but also solidified Naezy’s position as a pioneer of the genre.
Challenges and Hiatus from the Rap Scene
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Naezy faced significant challenges in his career. The pressures of fame and the expectations placed on him by the industry and fans alike took a toll on his mental health. Additionally, Naezy struggled to convince his family of the legitimacy of his rap career, which was another source of tension.
In 2018, Naezy decided to take a hiatus from the music scene. During this period, he reflected on his journey, reconnected with his roots, and evaluated his goals as an artist. The break allowed him to step back from the limelight and recharge, ultimately reigniting his passion for music.
Return to Music and New Releases
Naezy made a triumphant return to the rap scene in 2019 with the release of “Aafat Waapas”, a sequel to his debut track. The song was a statement—Naezy was back, and he was ready to reclaim his place in the industry. “Aafat Waapas” was well-received by fans and critics alike, with the music video, shot on an iPhone XS Max, going viral much like its predecessor.
Following this, Naezy continued to release new music, including his debut album “Maghreb” in 2020. The album, which featured tracks like “Mere Bhantai” and “Pyaar Hai,” showcased Naezy’s evolution as an artist. His music continued to address socio-political issues, with tracks like “Haq Hai” and “Tragedy Mein Comedy” resonating with listeners who appreciated his conscious approach to hip-hop.
Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3: The New Challenge
In 2024, Naezy took on a new challenge by entering the Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3 house. Since Naezy was more well-known for his music than reality TV, many people were startled to see him participate in the show. But he decided to join the show because he wanted to test himself in a fresh setting and connect with a wider audience.
Throughout his time on Bigg Boss OTT 3, Naezy remained true to himself, using the platform to speak about issues close to his heart and to share his journey with a wider audience. His authenticity and down-to-earth personality won him a massive fan following. He quickly became one of the most popular contestants on the show.
Naezy’s time on Bigg Boss was marked by his ability to stay calm under pressure and his refusal to engage in unnecessary drama. He approached the competition with the same determination and focus that had driven his music career. He ultimately finishing as the runner-up.
Legacy and Influence
Naezy’s influence on Indian hip-hop cannot be overstated. As one of the pioneers of the gully rap movement. He has inspired countless young artists to pursue their passion for music, regardless of their background or circumstances. His lyrics, which often tackle issues of social justice, inequality, and the struggles of the working class, have resonated with a generation of listeners who see themselves reflected in his words.
Moreover, Naezy’s journey from the streets of Kurla to the stages of music festivals and the sets of reality TV shows is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. He has shown that with talent, hard work, and a commitment to one’s craft. It is possible to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
Conclusion
Naved Shaikh, aka Naezy “The Baa,” is more than just a rapper. He is a symbol of resilience and authenticity in the Indian music scene. From his early days in Kurla to his rise as a pioneering figure in Indian hip-hop. Naezy’s journey has been one of grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to his art. His participation in Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3 has only added to his already impressive legacy, proving that he is an artist who is unafraid to explore new territories and challenge himself in new ways.
Name: Naved Shaikh
Other Name: Naezy
Evicted: Bigg Boss OTT Hindi Season 3 – Day 42 1st Runner-up
Season Host: Anil Kapoor
Network: JioCinema
Number of Days:
Number of Contestants: 16
Premier Date: 21 June 2024
Prize Money:
Other Prizes (if any):
Date of Birth (DOB): August 10, 1993
Birth Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Settled Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Profession/Occupation: Rapper, Song Composer
Education: Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Parents: Shahid Raza (Father), Farhin Raza (Mother)
Siblings:
Spouse: Unmarried
Children: