Vedan (rapper)
Vedan വേടൻ வேடன் | |
|---|---|
 Vedan in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Hirandas Murali |
| Born | 25 October 1994 (age 30) Thrissur, Kerala, India |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2020–present |
Hirandas Murali, known professionally as Vedan, is an Indian rapper and songwriter from Kerala.[1][2] He gained prominence in 2020 with his debut music video "Voice of the Voiceless," which resonated widely for its bold commentary on systemic oppression. Vedan’s music blends Malayalam and Tamil rap, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and the socio-political landscape of Kerala.
Career
[edit]Vedan first gained prominence in June 2020 with the release of his first music video, titled "Voice of the Voiceless", on YouTube.[3][4] He was of the age 25 then.[5] In the same year, he released his second music video titled "Bhoomi Njan Vazhunidam".[6] In 2024, Vedan collaborated with Sushin Shyam in the movie Manjummel Boys, where he wrote the lyrics for the track "Kuthanthram".[7]
2020: Breakthrough with "Voice of the Voiceless"
[edit]Vedan rose to prominence in June 2020 with the release of his debut music video, "Voice of the Voiceless," on YouTube. The song, directed by Akhil Ramachandran and shot by Hrithwik Sasikumar, addressed casteism, colorism, and the struggles of marginalized communities in his colony. It garnered over 600,000 views and widespread acclaim for its raw and unapologetic lyrics, establishing Vedan as a voice for the oppressed. Later that year, he released his second music video, "Bhoomi Njan Vazhunidam," further cementing his presence in the Malayalam rap scene.
2021–2023: Continued Work and Film Contributions
[edit]In 2021, Vedan contributed to the Malayalam film Nayattu with the song "Narabali." His music video "Vaa," released the same year, continued to explore themes of labor, difference, and everyday struggles, receiving attention for its socio-political depth. He also performed at the Kochi Music Foundation’s Para Hip Hop Festival in 2020, where his 15-minute set was a highlight, blending youthful energy with activist gravitas.
In 2023, Vedan wrote and performed "La Vida" for the album KARAM and "Kisses in the Clouds" for All We Imagine as Light. His work during this period reflected his commitment to addressing systemic issues through music, often incorporating folk dialects and Tamil influences.
2024: Mainstream Recognition with Manjummel Boys
[edit]Vedan achieved mainstream recognition in 2024 through his collaboration with music director Sushin Shyam on the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys. He wrote and performed the lyrics for the track "Kuthanthram," which became a popular anthem, contributing to his growing reputation in the South Indian music industry. He also contributed to the film No Way Out with the song "Maranathin Niram."
Personal life
[edit]Vedan was born in Thrissur, Kerala. His mother is an Eelam Tamil from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, who later migrated to Ooty, Tamil Nadu during the Eelam War. Vedan's father Murali a Malayali born in Thrissur, Kerala.[5] Vedan grew up in a Residency called Swapnabhoomi, near the Thrissur railway station.[3]
Controversies
[edit]Sexual abuse
[edit]In 2021, Vedan was accused of sexual misconduct by a few women via a post that was shared on a Facebook page as part of the MeToo movement.[8] He later responded to the allegations with an apology.[9]
Drug activities and the possession of protected wildlife assets
[edit]On 28 April 2025, Vedan and his 8 other friends were arrested by the Kerala Excise Department for possession of approx 6 grams of Cannabis from a flat in Kochi.[10][11][12]
Meanwhile, authorities found tiger's tooth on his chain during police search on his flat following the drug possession, which Vedan claims he bought it from Thailand. The Kerala Forest and wildlife department took Vedan into custody shortly after bailing out from the drug case. Forest Department officials verified that the teeth are from genuine tigers.[13][14][15]
Following a case registered against Vedan for possession of a tiger tooth, a resident from Thrissur filed a complaint against Suresh Gopi for alleging the same cause. He claimed he saw a leopard on Gopi's pendant, which is also claimed under Wildlife Protection Law, which is not bailable. Later, Vedan was bailed out.[16]
Discography
[edit]As Playback singer
[edit]| Year | Song Title | Film | Composer | Co-Singer(s) | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | "Narabali" | Nayattu | Vishnu Vijay | Lyricist, singer | [17] | |
| 2022 | "Maranathin Niram" | No Way Out | Hrishi | |||
| "Paanju Paanju" | Padavettu | Govind Vasantha | ||||
| 2024 | "Kuthanthram" | Manjummel Boys | Sushin Shyam | Lyricist, singer | ||
| "Kondal Vedan Song" | Kondal | Sam C. S. | Also Lyricist | |||
| "Kisses in the Clouds" | All We Imagine as Light | Topshe | Haniya Nafisa | |||
| 2025 | "Vaada Veda" | Narivetta | Tippushan, Shiyas Hassan | Jakes Bejoy | Also Lyrics |
Albums
[edit]| Year | Albums | Song(s) | Co-Artist(s) | Label | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | KARAM | La Vida | KSHMR, Dabzee | Mass Appeal India / Dharma Worldwide | Sung for KSHMR Album, Also Lyricist. |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Co-Artist(s) | Label | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "Voice Of Voiceless" | produced by Kevin Soney | |||
| 2021 | "Vaa" | ||||
| "Budhanayi Pira" | |||||
| 2023 | "Social Criminal" | beat by Hrishi |
References
[edit]- ^ "Vedan is a huge hit at Kochi Music Foundation hip hop festival". Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Double edged word". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Meet Vedan, whose Malayalam anti-caste rap song is a hit". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Malayalam rapper Vedan's songs of the hunted". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ a b "I am my own inspiration: How Malayalam rapper Vedan became the 'Voice of the Voiceless'". Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "The earth where I reign, day by day turns into hell; Hunter again with sharp words". Madhyamam. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Sushin Shyam collaborates with Vedan for Manjummel Boys first single". Archived from the original on 24 March 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Malayalam rapper Vedan, known for anti-caste songs, accused of sexual misconduct". The Week. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Rapper Vedan apologises for 'lapses in conduct'". Times Of India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "Rapper Vedan Held with Ganja in Kochi Amid Drug Crackdown". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "Kerala rapper Vedan arrested after ganja seized from flat". The Hindu. 28 April 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "Rapper Vedan, 8 others arrested after ganja seizure from flat; singer faces forest dept probe too". www.onmanorama.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "Tiger tooth on chain? Trouble mounts for rapper Vedan as Forest Department steps in". Mathrubhumi. 28 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ വേടന്റെ മാലയിൽ ഉള്ളത് പുലിപ്പല്ലോ? വനംവകുപ്പ് കസ്റ്റഡിയിലെടുത്തേക്കും, ജാമ്യമില്ലാ കുറ്റം. Manorama (in Malayalam). Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Ganja seized from flat; Vedan and friends granted bail; Forest Dept registers case against rapper under non-bailable sections for wearing chain consisting tiger's tooth". keralakaumudi.com. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "'Why jail Vedan for leopard tooth pendant but not Suresh Gopi?': Man files complaint". english.mathrubhumi.com. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ^ "'നായാട്ടി'ലെ വേടന്റെ 'നരബലി' പാട്ട്; 'നായാട്ടിന് നരബലിയിരനീ ഞാൻ' ശ്രദ്ധേയമാകുന്നു". Times of India Samayam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 19 April 2021.
External links
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