How Dhanda Nyoliwala Wrote "Russian Bandana" and "Up To U" | Small Talk

Dhanda Nyoliwala joins Billboard India for Small Talk, opening up about the experiences that shaped him as an artist, from professional sports and a serious injury to working as a truck driver in Australia. In this episode, Dhanda Nyoliwala speaks candidly about Haryanvi music, rap and authenticity, including why he believes struggle is an important part of making real rap. He talks about finding his voice through those experiences, not having many friends, and writing his first song during the Jaat reservation protests. Dhanda also revisits the making of some of his best-known songs, including “Russian Bandana” and “Up To U,” revealing that he wrote “Russian Bandana” in just 30 minutes. He tells us the experiences behind his music, the artists and sounds that have influenced him, and what comes next. Watch Dhanda Nyoliwala on Billboard India’s Small Talk. 00:00 Intro 00:42 When Dhanda started writing 01:55 Unreleased bars 02:12 Making up with his girlfriend 02:18 Refining his writing 02:34 Learning from sports 03:40 Moving to Australia 04:44 Working as a trolley pusher 06:15 Making time for music 07:03 His notes folder 07:30 Hip-hop comes from struggle 08:55 Writing "Up to U" and other viral hooks 10:26 Writing "Russian Bandana" in 30 minutes 10:56 His fashion 11:28 "Music is all I do in my life" 12:04 What makes Dhanda proud 🔔 Subscribe to Billboard India on YouTube. 🌐 Website: www.billboardindia.com 📲 Instagram: @billboard.ind #DhandaNyoliwala #RussianBandana #UpToU #SmallTalk #BillboardIndia #HaryanviMusic #HaryanviSong #HaryanviSongs #HaryanviRap #IndianHipHop #IndianMusic