COVER STORY: They Don’t Call Him King for No Reason

Veracity, talent, strategic moves and everything in between

Published by

April 3, 2024

COVER STORY: They Don’t Call Him King for No Reason

In the labyrinth of the music world, authenticity often stands as a rare gem amid the sea of meticulously constructed facades. As a music journalist navigating this landscape, encounters with artists range from the awe-inspiring to the disappointingly contrived. Yet, amid this dynamic spectrum, emerges King—a 28-year-old superstar from Delhi who’s managed to defy the norm with his raw, unfiltered demeanor, setting a new standard for authenticity in the Indian music scene.

“I come from a lower-middle-class background in Delhi,” says King, born Arpan Kumar Chandel. “I was raised in an environment where street smarts are paramount. I’ve learned various tricks of the trade (jugaad), and it’s precisely what has influenced my art.”

Photograph by Meghan Katti for Rolling Stone India

Stepping into Rolling Stone India’s Mumbai headquarters for his cover shoot last month, King sported a simple white t-shirt, jeans, and Crocs, accompanied by his faithful entourage of four. His unfiltered candor shone through as he openly shared his thoughts, showing a level of realness found in an industry known for its carefully crafted images. Despite his rising status in the entertainment industry, King remained refreshingly down-to-earth as he mingled with the crew and chatted with the creative team. It became evident that his humility was as genuine as his talent. He cracked jokes, shared anecdotes from his life, and displayed an earnest interest in the people around him.

As he settled into the studio and connected his phone to the speaker, it became evident how deeply intertwined music, and especially Indian cultural elements, hold significance for him. While he didn’t shy away from playing his international favorites by A$AP Rocky and Ye (Kanye West), King’s playlist struck a perfect balance between local music and international hits. “Our Indian music is incredibly rich,” the “Maan Meri Jaan” singer said. “I approach my music with the intention of leveraging the cultural wealth we have at home to inform and shape my compositions.” Although, one aspect that King was firm about is his aversion to the use of slang in songs. “I strongly disagree with incorporating slang into lyrics,” he remarked candidly. “I find it to be in poor taste.”

King’s meteoric rise in the Indian music scene has been beyond commendable. Boasting over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify and international hits such as “Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)” ft Nick Jonas and “Tu Aake Dekhle,” the rising star asserts he’s merely at the threshold of his journey. “My dream is still far ahead. Everything I’m accomplishing now is just a stepping stone towards the ultimate dream.” With that being said, King is now gearing up to release a new single featuring American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo in the coming weeks, followed by his highly anticipated studio album MM (the full form of which he’s yet to reveal) expected to drop close to fall. “My fans are in for a surprise; Jason and I have crafted a track that will set the clubs on fire,” King said. “I’m also working on material that aligns with my fans’ expectations while also exploring new territories they’d never imagine I’d venture into.”

Delving into the details of his forthcoming album, King expresses confidence that it will emerge as one of the most significant Desi hip-hop (DHH) albums if everything unfolds as planned. The “Tu Jaana Na Piya” vocalist discloses that the album features numerous collaborations, diverse sounds, and styles, presenting a completely new persona and viewpoint. “My aim with this album is to unite a variety of artists and enhance their authentic talents. I’m not seeking anything different from anyone; my sole objective is to bring out their skills,” he says. “This project will stand as a substantial catalog of collaborations in the history of the Indian music industry,” King promises.

Outside of his music career, King is simply a regular, practical guy. He enjoys spending time with his close friends, whom he affectionately refers to as his “day ones,” and just being himself. “It’s quite straightforward,” he explains. “When I’m out in public, I’m King—I’m in my rockstar mode. But when I’m at home, you wouldn’t even recognize me as the same person.” King clarifies that he doesn’t undergo a complete transformation; rather, he values the simple things in life. “I don’t throw extravagant parties at home. Instead, I prefer to invite my friends over, and we just hang out like we’ve been doing for the past decade.”

Maintaining a clear boundary between his professional and personal life is crucial for the singer-songwriter, ensuring that he doesn’t carry work-related emotions into his personal space or vice versa. “The dynamics are very different outside,” he notes. “Interactions in public settings often have a transactional nature.” While he doesn’t view this transactional nature of interactions negatively, King is adamant about separating his emotions from his professional endeavors. “This boundary is essential for preserving my sanity.”

When asked about any particular firsthand experiences and emotions that have significantly influenced his craft and artistic expression, King had intriguing—rather relatable—things to say. “Consider the experiences of someone from a lower-middle-class background,” he began. “There’s often a scarcity of financial resources, coupled with perhaps not fitting conventional beauty standards, which can lead to being overlooked in society. Confidence may wane, and opportunities to indulge in extravagant experiences are limited due to strict budgetary constraints. Plans frequently fall through due to financial limitations, and truthfully, I didn’t have the chance to explore even a fraction of what the world has to offer back then.”

Reflecting on his journey, King acknowledges that he found everything he yearned for, after attaining recognition. “And I got bored, man,” he chuckled. “[For instance,] I used to fret over why I couldn’t frequent lavish clubs before. However, when I finally had the chance, I realized how superficial it all felt.” He realized that such environments weren’t his vibe and that his life before stardom offered everything he needed. After becoming rich and famous, “I realized that the simple things I had before are the epitome of luxury; everything else is just material and can be bought.”

King possesses strategic acumen and intelligence. He avoids actions that he believes could result in unfavorable outcomes in the future. “I carefully plan my steps,” he explains. “I meticulously consider the implications of my decisions.” His strategic mindset is particularly evident in his career trajectory. Achieving viral hits, selling out shows, and managing all the responsibilities that come with his success are formidable challenges for a young music artist. Yet, King navigates these hurdles with apparent ease, highlighting his adept thinking.

The artist’s strategic acumen not only applies to his personal career but extends to his broader vision for the music industry. Throughout our conversation, one aspect stood out prominently: King’s genuine concern for the music industry and the emerging talents in India. He is driven by a desire to break monotony, to explore new avenues, and to uplift his fellow artists. His aspiration extends beyond personal success; he envisions a future where Indian artists thrive on the global stage. For him, it’s not about individual recognition but about ensuring that the quality of music remains paramount. As he puts it, “I want the future of music to be excellent, irrespective of who leads the charge—be it King, Badshah, my brother AP [Dhillon], Shubh, or Karan [Aujla]. It should be exemplary, you know.”

In light of these insights, it’s apparent that genuine greatness in an artist isn’t solely measured by awards or recognition but by the authentic impact they have on the world. Here’s to King’s enduring legacy and the ongoing evolution of his career. May he continue to reign supreme, and may his journey be filled with endless growth and success.

Credits

Creative Director: Suprit Parulkar

Photographer: Meghan Katti

Stylist: Sejal Parulkar & Suprit Parulkar

Videographer: Avadh Gajjar

Hair: Junaid Shan

Make-Up: Swapnil Haldankar

Executive Producer: Aaryaman Trivedi

Set Assistant: Devanshi Rinwa

Photo Assistant: Prachetas Katti

BTS Video Editor: Sankalp Pandey

Light Technician: Roshen & Imran