Feb 04, 2026 5:30pm IST
‘It’s About Having Fun And Celebrating Culture’: Badshah at the 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game (EXCLUSIVE)
Come February 13, Badshah becomes the first Indian rapper to step onto the basketball court at the ️NBA (National Basketball Association) All-Star Celebrity Game. An annually held celebrity exhibition match, it is a fan-favorite event that features former NBA and WNBA players facing off a diverse roster of celebrities from the worlds of music, film, TV, comedy, YouTube and athletes from other sports.
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The Delhi-born multi-platinum Indian rapper is India’s sole representative in a lineup that features other multi-platinum artists like GloRilla (American rapper) and DJ Mustard (producer and DJ), award-winning actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, former NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin, reality TV stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Nicolas Vansteenberghe, singer-songwriter and viral hitmaker Adrien Nuñez, award-winning actor and reigning NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP Rome Flynn, Shang-Chi star Simu Liu and seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse will return for their second Celebrity Games, while Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang returns for his third. Former NBA champions and star players will serve as coaches.
From India, celebrities like Ranveer Singh (2022-23), Abhishek Bachchan (2015) and AP Dhillon (2025) represented India in the All-Star Celebrity Games.
We reached out to the rapper ahead of his match. Excerpts from the conversation…
How are you prepping for the All-Star game?
Honestly, I’m prepping by first reading up on my co-players. I don’t really know a lot of them, so I’m trying to learn who they are, what they do and where they come from. And of course, I’m also hitting the court, practising whatever I can. I wouldn’t call myself a great player — definitely not a pro — but I’m not terrible either. I just want to do my best. I’m really thankful to the NBA for giving me this opportunity to represent my country. Right now, I’m working on free throws and dribbles. It’s been like 15, 20 years since I really touched the ball. But I’m doing what I can. At the same time, I’m reminding myself it’s about having fun and celebrating culture. You step onto a court like that and honestly, the energy does half the work for you.
Did you ask for pointers from AP Dhillon, Abhishek Bachchan or Ranveer Singh on gameplay?
I’d like to, but I don’t think I have the time right now. Everyone has their own relationship with basketball, so I’m just focused on my own prep.
What position are you playing? Are you in the opening lineup
Honestly, I have no idea. Back when I used to play, I was a guard. Right now, I’m just focused on being prepared and staying flexible and I trust the coaches to put everyone in the right spot.
What does it mean to be the first Indian rapper to be seen at such an event, playing alongside the biggest names in sports and entertainment?
It’s deeply meaningful and honestly very humbling. Growing up, moments like this felt so far away. It represents Indian hip-hop and culture stepping confidently into a global conversation. At the same time, it’s just amazing to be right on the court, playing alongside so many names who’ve established themselves in sports and entertainment. I’ve always dreamed of playing where it all started—right at the heart of the NBA. I remember waking up at 5, 6, 7 a.m. to watch the games before school, feeling that energy, hearing the crowds chant, the music, the whole atmosphere. For me, this is about cultures coming together — sport, music, creativity — and I’m proud to bring my energy, passion and authenticity to that space.
Will you also be performing at the event’s halftime?
No, the focus is on performing in the game and soaking in that experience.
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