Badshah's Candid Confession: The 15-Minute High of a Rs 12.45 Crore Impulse Buy
In a remarkably honest revelation, popular Indian rapper and music producer Badshah has disclosed that his headline-grabbing acquisition of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II last year was driven purely by impulse. The purchase, which made him the first India-born musician to own this ultra-luxury SUV, came with a staggering price tag of approximately Rs 12.45 crore on-road in Mumbai.
Joining an Exclusive Club with Fleeting Satisfaction
With this high-end vehicle addition to his garage, Badshah entered an elite ownership circle that includes industrialist Mukesh Ambani and Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn. However, the rapper confessed in an interview with Curly Tales that the thrill was surprisingly short-lived.
"I think buying the car was very impulsive. Jaldi se decide kar liya ki aaj lena hai (I decided quickly that I will buy it today). Badshah Wali feeling hai. It's a good car. 10-15 minute raha tha uska high (The high of buying the car lasted for 10-15 minutes) and then you are like what next?" Badshah revealed candidly.
The Luxury Mindset: Bucket Lists and Technological Desires
Discussing his approach to luxury, Badshah shared his philosophy of wanting to experience everything on his bucket list, particularly items representing technological excellence. "Mera mann karta hai ki jo bhi best hai technologically wo mere paas ho (I wish to have all best things technologically). Log kehte hai naa ki best gadi hai (When people say it is the best car). So I want to have all those things," he explained.
When presented with hypothetical scenarios, Badshah's responses were equally revealing:
- Asked what luxury item he would save if his house were on fire, he immediately chose the car, stating, "I would save the car. I will have to live in the car then."
- Given a choice between Rs 5 crore in cash or limited-edition watches, he instantly selected the watches, claiming, "Every limited watch would be worth more than Rs 5 crore."
Materialism with a Conscience: Price Tags and Priorities
Despite his indulgence in expensive purchases, Badshah emphasized that he remains financially mindful. "I have to see the price tag first. I hope it never comes to the point that I don't check the price tag," he admitted.
Addressing frequent labels of materialism, the rapper offered his personal definition: "I don't feel anything when people say I am a materialist. What is being materialistic? It is that you love things. I value my relationships more than I value material things. But I love my material things too. I love wearing good clothes, driving good cars, wearing good shoes...I like it."
He was quick to clarify his priorities: "Agar koi mera bahut achchha dost hai, usne meri gaadi thok di to main pehle poochunga if he is fine (If my good friend ever hits my car, I will first ask if he is okay). Only when I am sure of his well-being then I will take his class."
Family Dynamics and Luxury Secrecy
Badshah also shared that he deliberately avoids discussing the actual costs of his luxury items with his parents. "I never tell my parents how much my watches cost. I didn't think they will even believe that a watch can cost this much," he revealed, highlighting the generational gap in understanding luxury valuations.
From Civil Engineer to Music Star: A Revealing Anecdote
Before achieving fame in the music industry, Badshah worked as a civil engineer in government service. He recalled a particularly memorable incident from his early career in Himachal Pradesh that showcased his unconventional thinking.
"When I was working as a government officer, I was posted at Mount Sundar Nagar in Himachal Pradesh. There the financial commissioner is basically the administrative head and he/she is an IAS officer. So, he was retiring and he asked if we have any questions for him," Badshah recounted.
"I asked him, 'When businessman or athlete drive Mercedes then people credit their hard work, but when a government employee does that, they call him a thief.' To which he replied very beautifully. He said it depends what your Mercedes is in your life. Matlab aapki life mein aapki Mercedes kya hai."
The young Badshah's bold question stunned his colleagues. "Everyone around me asked me to sit down, saying what type of question you are asking, I was very young. I remember I was 23," he shared, reflecting on this formative experience that revealed societal perceptions about wealth and profession.
This comprehensive interview provides rare insights into the luxury consumption patterns, personal values, and career journey of one of India's most successful music artists, blending extravagant purchases with grounded perspectives on relationships and societal expectations.
