they don't call him king for no reason

Veracity, talent, strategic moves and everything in between

- PEONY HIRWANI

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." 

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.