Emiway Bantai, a multifaceted artist, is a singer, rapper, dancer, songwriter, editor, and music composer. He’s achieved significant recognition, particularly for his contribution to the film “Gully Boy.”
Biography/Wiki
Bilal Shaikh, known professionally as Emiway Bantai, was born on November 13, 1995, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. He hails from a middle-class, orthodox Muslim family with roots in Karnataka. The stage name “Emiway” cleverly blends “Emi” from Eminem and “Way” from Lil Wayne.
His education included schooling at LHS, Mumbai. Academically strong until the 10th standard, his focus shifted to rap in the 11th, leading to him failing the 12th and experiencing depression. Mastering hip-hop required considerable effort.
Initially, he created rap videos recreationally. The positive response prompted him to pursue rapping seriously.
Family
Parents & Siblings
Information about his parents’ names remains undisclosed.
Wife
Emiway Bantai married Swaalina, an actress and singer, in January 2025.
Physical Appearance
Here’s a summary of his physical attributes:
- Height: Approximately 5’7″
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Career
Emiway’s career began with “Glint Lock” featuring Minta in 2013. Early in his career, he worked at the Hard Rock Cafe to support himself, refusing financial assistance from his family for his music.
He initially rapped in English but his father suggested switching to Hindi for broader appeal. His first Hindi rap, “Aur Bantai,” in 2014, became an immediate success. He even auditioned for India’s Got Talent.
He won the Radio City Freedom Award in 2016 at the Hard Rock Cafe – the same cafe where he’d previously worked. His breakthrough came in 2017 with “#Sadak,” a collaboration with Raftaar. This led to a notable diss track battle with Raftaar in 2018.
In 2019, he entered Bollywood with “Asli Hip-Hop” in Zoya Akhtar’s “Gully Boy,” contributing both rap vocals and a video appearance.
Awards
His accolades include:
- Radio City Freedom Award for “Aisa Kuch Shot Nai Hai” (2016)
- Best HIP-HOP artist “people choice” (2017)
Bike Collection
Emiway owns a Hero Splendor motorcycle.
Favourite Things
His preferences include:
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Food | Dal Chawal with Papad |
| Actors | Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh |
| Actresses | Kajol, Jacqueline Fernandez, Alia Bhatt |
| Films | Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai |
| Singers | Arijit Singh, Atif Aslam |
| Rappers | Eminem, Tech N9ne, NF, Token |
Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Emiway Bantai:
- He initially aspired to be a doctor.
- His family and friends affectionately call him Shahrukh Shaikh.
- He follows a non-vegetarian diet.
- His hobbies include playing football and dancing.
- His father has appeared in one of his music videos.
- He owns a music studio, “Bantai The Studio,” where he records his music.
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