When asked about the edginess and underlying note of anger in some lines of his recent hip-hop numbers, Malayalam actor-musician Neeraj Madhav clarifies that braggadocio is an essential element of hip-hop music. “Hip-hop has an element of flexing or boasting. It is self-uplifting and about embracing the self. It can also be an outlet to vent anger,” Neeraj explains, highlighting the genre’s intrinsic qualities.
Operating under the name NJ, Neeraj has solidified his position in Kerala’s rap-centric indie music scene. His latest single ‘Ballaatha Jaathi,’ in collaboration with local hip-hop talents Dabzee and Baby Jean, has taken the internet by storm, amassing 14 million views on YouTube and over 20 million streams on various audio platforms since its release in June. This song is a significant part of his upcoming album, “Padakuthira,” which is tentatively scheduled for release later this year. Neeraj expresses his intent to collaborate with musicians across different languages and regions for the album, aiming to break conventional barriers.
Despite his successful stint in the film industry, Neeraj recently revealed that he turned down numerous projects after his noteworthy performance in “RDX” (Robert Dony Xavier). “Nothing exciting came up after RDX. I am a right-brained guy, and if I am not enjoying the process [of creating], then I cannot do it. I’d rather not do something if it does not excite me!” Neeraj emphasizes his penchant for stimulating and innovative projects over simply increasing his on-screen appearances.
In an industry where an actor’s relevance often correlates with their screen time, Neeraj actively endeavors to push boundaries. He avoids complacency, refrains from conforming to standard industry norms, and prefers to carefully select his projects. His next appearance will be in Vaashi director Vishnu Raghav’s web series, “Love Under Construction,” which is set to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
Neeraj finds solace and a creative outlet in his music, which he believes has opened doors to a different audience. His musical persona appeals to “a younger, cooler audience,” providing him with the freedom to experiment artistically. His repertoire is diverse, spanning not just hip-hop but also melodies and pop songs.
The journey of Neeraj’s music career began in 2020 with the release of his first rap number, ‘Jungle Rap’. This was followed by ‘Panipaali’, and since then, there has been no looking back for him as a musician. The indie music scene has evolved significantly, making it financially viable for contemporary musicians, a stark contrast to the past.
One major factor contributing to the success of ‘Ballaatha Jaathi’ is the use of the ‘Malabari’ slang, a dialect native to North Kerala. The popularity of regional films and musicians from this area, including Dabzee and Baby Jean, has helped mainstream the dialect. “I wrote the hook for the song in 2020, but I did not attempt it then as I felt, at the time, that people would not get it. It is the right time now to collaborate with Dabzee and Baby Jean; we are from that part of Kerala,” Neeraj notes.
The cultural representation in ‘Ballaatha Jaathi’ extends beyond language. Neeraj hails from Kozhikode, while Dabzee and Baby Jean are from Malappuram.
. The rapper-producer Rzee from Kannur completes the ensemble, embodying the essence of Malabar’s culture. The song harmoniously combines their different styles, resulting in an effortlessly engaging track. The slick visuals of the music video complement the catchy tune, making it a favorite for repeat listens.
Despite his success in the music industry, Neeraj maintains a dual passion for both acting and music. He finds live performances as a musician particularly exhilarating, describing them as ‘euphoric’ experiences. “Unlike films, one has creative liberty as a musician. There are no strings attached. There have been hits and misses, but it has been an exciting journey in music,” he adds.
Yet, Neeraj acknowledges the distinct gratifications each art form offers. “The gratification in acting is not instant, unlike, say, a live performance. That said, you can continue being an actor at any stage. Films give you a larger space for storytelling. As does music, where you get, say, five or 10 minutes. I am a fan of storytelling.”
Since making his acting debut in 2013, with a notable role in “Drishyam” as Monichan, Neeraj has acted in diverse films like “Apothecary”, “Oru Mexican Aparatha”, “Sapthamashree Thaskaraha”, “Kunjiramayanam”, “Charlie”, “Adi Kapyare Kootamani”, “Enkkilum Chandrike” and, more recently, “Varshangalkku Shesham”. He was among the first actors from the Malayalam film industry to feature in a web series, with his role in “The Family Man” (2019) on Amazon Prime and later in “Feels Like Ishq” on Netflix. His versatility extends to other language industries, as shown by his performance in Gautham Menon’s Tamil gangster film “Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu” (2022), which led to his role in “RDX”.
The 2023 film, directed by Nahas Hidayath, where Neeraj starred alongside Shane Nigam and Anthony Varghese, marked a significant comeback. It proved his capability to tackle varied roles, including action-hero parts. “You do character actor-type roles in other language industries, chances are you will get the same kind of roles again,” he remarks, expressing his desire for versatile roles.
In his decade-long career, Neeraj has navigated the challenges of an industry often dominated by established camps and connections. His music serves as an outlet for the struggles he has faced, with autobiographical undertones reflecting his experiences as an outsider in the cinematic world. “Yes, there are autobiographical elements in my songs. I have had my share of problems trying to cope with the system, but I am still standing,” he admits.
Neeraj is currently co-writing several scripts that he plans to produce, drawing inspiration from industry pioneers like Rakshit Shetty and Rishab Shetty. “Rather than wait for exciting projects to come my way, I want to make them happen,” he asserts, showcasing his proactive approach towards his future endeavors.
