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Badshah Tears Up on Indian Idol 16; Contestant Dharmesh Hasn’t Seen His Daughter Since 2019

Anamika Rajput | 3 min read | 3 weeks ago | Oct 11, 2025 10:23 am IST
Badshah Tears Up on Indian Idol 16; Contestant Dharmesh Hasn't Seen His Daughter Since 2019

You think you know Badshah? The rapper with the unshakable confidence and chart-topping hits? Well, get ready to see a side of him you’ve never seen before. It turns out, even the biggest stars have a soft spot, and for Badshah, it’s being a father.

A recent taping for the upcoming Indian Idol 16 turned seriously emotional. The show, which premieres on October 18, 2025, got a dose of raw reality when a contestant named Dharmesh shared his story. And honestly, it’s a tough one.

Dharmesh, who comes from Chandigarh, opened up about a personal struggle that would break anyone. He revealed that he hasn’t seen his daughter since 2019. The separation took a massive toll on him, leading him into a deep depression. It’s a pain that’s hard to imagine.

But here’s the thing. Through all that darkness, Dharmesh found one thing to hold onto: music. He explained that music became his coping mechanism, a way to channel his pain and maintain a sense of hope. It was his reason to keep going.

Badshah’s Heartfelt Plea

As Dharmesh told his story, the camera panned to the judges’ panel, and Badshah was visibly moved. The rapper, a father himself, couldn’t hold back his emotions. You could see the story hit him hard. He knows what it’s like to be away from his own child, even if the circumstances are different.

He looked directly at Dharmesh and offered some powerful words of encouragement. “Don’t let me down. Don’t let a man down. Don’t let a father down,” Badshah said, his voice thick with emotion.

Then he added something in Hindi that showed just how deeply he connected. “Dharmesh, apne emotion ko itna hawi mat hone do. Mujhe pata hai yeh emotion kya hai, main bhi apne bacchi se dur rehta hoon.” He was sharing a piece of his own vulnerability, a rare moment for a public figure.

What’s This New Season About?

This emotional exchange gives you a glimpse into the heart of Indian Idol 16. The theme for this season is “Yaadon Ki Playlist: Jahaan Awazein Aaj Wali Aur Gaane Aap Wale.” The whole idea is to mix that nostalgic feeling of old songs with the fresh energy of today’s voices.

The judging panel is a powerhouse trio. You’ve got the incredible Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Dadlani, and of course, Badshah bringing his unique perspective to the team.

Reports about this moment first surfaced on October 9, 2025, building anticipation for the show’s official premiere. It’s a reminder that behind the bright lights and big stages, these are real people with real stories. So, what do you think? Does hearing about moments like this make you want to tune in?