Zoya Akhtar directorial Gully Boy has been making quite a look of buzz since the time its trailer is out. Right from the first song ‘Apna Time Aayega’ launch, to the meme make dialogues “Tu Mar Jaega”, the Gully Boy fever just doesn’t wish to die down, all thanks to Ranveer’s insane way of replicating the character he needs to be.
The film mainly focuses on Indian street rappers and their struggles. Although the movie is not a biopic, to a great extent it is based on the life of actual gully (street) boys i.e. underground rappers from Mumbai – Divine and Naezy.
Who are Divine and Naezy?
Apna Time Aayega’, which featured Ranveer, is penned down by none other than Divine himself. Real name Vivian Fernandes, Divine started his career as an underground rapper in 2011 with the song ‘Yeh Mera Bombay’. However mainstream success came to him after his song ‘Mere Gully Mein’ featuring fellow Mumbai rapper Naezy, and another music collaboration with Nucleya in a song called ‘Scene Kya Hai’.
Divine has since risen to fame and has many viral videos including ‘Jungli Sher’ to his name.
He has also collaborated with Nucleya, a successful Indian DJ and producer of the song ‘Scene Kya hai?’
While in conversation with an entertainment reporting portal, Divine revealed some interesting details about Ranveer. He said that Ranveer researched a lot through observation. “We spent time together, at gigs, in the studio. He spoke to me, about the music, my life and observed everything.”
Naved Sheikh aka Naezy’s obsession with rap began when he was just 13! His first project was a DIY, which he himself shot, sang and edited on an I-pad. The song ‘Aafat’ brought him into the limelight. He started his rapping journey with a hip-hop collective – The Schizophrenics – formed with his friends in Khalsa College, Mumbai. He has also collaborated with Gulzar to pen Gully Boy’s lyrics.
With a film like Gully Boy, we have the desi rapper subculture becoming one with the mainstream. A huge feat for authentic content, indeed.
Gully Boy has been co-produced by Tiger Baby and Excel Entertainment and will hit the theatres on February 14.
