New Delhi:
MC Altaf has recently released his new album circumstancesWhere he shed light on the challenges he faced while growing up in Dharavi, Mumbai’s largest slum. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, he talked about the influence of his community on his music and the personal struggles that shaped his journey to becoming a successful artist. Reflecting on his upbringing, MC Altaf explained how living in Dharavi, known for its poverty and tough environment, shaped both his identity and his music.
“Living in Dharavi comes with a lot of challenges – be it financial struggles or the daily grind of surviving in such a harsh environment,” he said. He further added, “One of the hardest moments was when we didn’t know how we would make ends meet. At times it felt like the odds were against us, but we pushed forward because giving up was not an option.” The strength of my family and my passion for music helped me move forward.”
When asked about the moments when financial difficulties made him question his dreams, MC Altaf admitted that there were times when it felt overwhelming. “Financial difficulties can make you feel like your dreams are just out of reach. But what drove me was the belief that music was my purpose. My love for hip-hop, my way out of struggles, My hunger, and the support of my family kept me going,” he shared.
The influence of Dharavi on his music was a recurring topic in conversation. MC Altaf explains how growing up in the community shaped both his voice and approach to storytelling. “Dharavi is at the center of my music,” he said. “The streets, the people, the hustle and bustle—it’s all part of my identity. My voice is raw and unfiltered because that’s what life is like in Dharavi. It taught me how to feel the land. Stay connected and stay true to myself. Telling my story is real because it’s based on things I’ve experienced or seen firsthand,” he explained.
The artist also shared the moment he decided to pursue hip-hop as a career and said, “When I was a teenager I realized I wanted to take hip-hop seriously. I’ve always been into music. I grew up surrounded by hip-hop, but when I heard hip-hop, something clicked. It felt like a voice for the voiceless, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that movement.” Altaf’s early inspirations included international giants like 50 Cent and Nas, but he also found inspiration from local artists like Divine and Naezy. “Seeing him grow made me believe that someone from my background could do great things.”
MC Altaf’s songs often address personal struggles as well as social issues. He talked about balancing authenticity with entertainment value in his music. He added, “For me, authenticity cannot be compromised. But I also understand that music has to connect with people, so it’s important to strike a balance. I try to make sure the message is clear but “And delivered in a way that resonates with people.” audience.”
