Indian hip-hop icon Naved Shaikh, popularly known as Naezy, has revealed that he turned down a web series project due to its focus on drugs and substance abuse. The rapper, known for his socially conscious music, expressed concerns over how such narratives impact young audiences.
“I rejected a web series because they were talking about drugs and asked me, ‘Tell us what happens in your area.’ I told them, ‘This will not have a good effect on the kids,’ so I refused the project,” Naezy shared in a recent interview. (“Maine ek web series ko vata diya. Usme vo log sab drugs vagaira ki baat bol rahe the ki ‘batao tumhare area mein kya hota hai?’ Toh maine bola, ‘Bacche log pe iska accha asar nahi padega,’ isliye maine woh web series reject kar di,”)
This revelation comes amid ongoing debates about the portrayal of substance abuse in Indian entertainment, especially in the rapidly growing OTT space. Artists like Naezy, who rose to fame with raw, street-inspired storytelling, often find themselves navigating the fine line between authenticity and responsible representation.
Known for his raw and socially conscious lyrics, Naezy rose to fame as one of India’s pioneering hip-hop artists, inspiring the Bollywood film Gully Boy (2019). His music often reflects the realities of street life, but he has consistently advocated for a positive and responsible approach to storytelling.
By rejecting the project, Naezy reinforces his commitment to using his platform for meaningful storytelling. His stance echoes a larger conversation in the industry about the ethical implications of content creation, especially in the rapidly growing OTT space.
