Dhadkan, born Daksh Pendharker, won MTV Hustle 5 - Apna Homeground on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The 20-year-old rapper from Sonipat, Haryana, took home the trophy and a ₹1 crore prize. WhysoKai finished as the first runner-up, with Harmeet placing third.
Representing Paradox’s squad, Para Troopers, Dhadkan brought rapid-fire delivery and personal storytelling to the competition. His music also draws on Haryanvi folk influences and his Marathi roots.
The Show
Launched in 2019, MTV Hustle gave rap and hip-hop artists a national television platform. Season 5 featured 25 contestants across 20 episodes, with Badshah returning as judge. EPR was among the returning squad bosses, alongside Hustle alumni MC Square, Agsy and Paradox.
Dhadkan joins previous winners M-Zee Bella, MC Square, Uday and Lashcurry.
Before the Trophy
Dhadkan grew up in a middle-class family in Sonipat. He performed the Hanuman Chalisa onstage at four and was writing lyrics and producing music by twelve.
As a teenager, he balanced school with frequent trips to Delhi, looking for opportunities in the hip-hop scene. He built his name through local cyphers and freestyle battles before winning Season 1 of underground rap battle league Spitdope STANDOUT. Alongside rapping, he works as a beatboxer and producer.
For the Hustle finale, he performed a self-titled track, "Dhadkan", reflecting on his journey so far, from his upbringing in Sonipat to the trips to Delhi and late-night music sessions that shaped his early years.
What He Said
After the win, Dhadkan recalled writing about the moment in his phone notes.
"I still can’t believe it when I think about how I once wrote in my notes that I wanted to manifest this moment…and cut to now the winner of Hustle Season 5 is Dhadkan!" he said.
He described the competition as a journey of new experiences, lessons and relationships, adding: "The real journey has only just begun!"
Three Tracks to Start With
If you're discovering Dhadkan after his MTV Hustle win, start with these tracks:
"DilJale" - with Sarfirasur
"Fan Ho Gayi" - from his MTV Hustle 5: Apna Homeground run
"Barfest”
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MTV Hustle
