Daiaphi Lamare, popularly known by her stage name Reble, has opened up about the backlash and strange accusations she faced after achieving mainstream success with the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar.The 24-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter from Shillong, Meghalaya, became one of the most talked-about new voices in Indian hip-hop after her unapologetic rap style and distinct vocal delivery featured in songs like Run Down the City – Monica and Naal Nachna.

From engineering student to hip-hop breakout star

Before entering the music industry full-time, Reble pursued a BTech degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University. However, she eventually chose to step away from the corporate path to pursue hip-hop professionally.The artist began performing in 2018 under the stage name ‘Daya’ before rebranding herself as Reble in 2019. Over the years, she built a following within Shillong’s independent music scene before making a national breakthrough with Dhurandhar.

‘People think you sold your soul’

Speaking to BBC News India, Reble addressed criticism that emerged after her Bollywood success, with some accusing her of “selling out” or even linking her music to satanic themes because of references to “demons” in her lyrics.“When you get commercial success, people think you sold your soul,” she said.According to the report, some online users even labelled her music anti-Christian — a particularly sensitive criticism in Meghalaya, where church culture strongly shapes public life.However, Reble appeared unfazed by the controversy and suggested that people often misunderstand the themes in her music.

‘I’m picky about the projects I take’

Despite her growing presence in mainstream cinema, Reble clarified that she is careful about the projects she chooses.“For me, working on film music feels more like experimentation than compromise. If I’m singing for a film, I enjoy that,” she said, adding, “But I’m picky about the projects I take.”Her breakout work in Dhurandhar introduced millions to her multilingual rap style, which blends English with Khasi and Jaintia — indigenous languages spoken by tribal communities in Northeast India.

Reble on feeling like a misfit

The rapper also reflected on growing up feeling disconnected from the world around her. Born Daiaphi Lamare, she spent years in boarding schools and often struggled to fit in socially.“Rap gave shape to emotions I did not know how to organise earlier. It became the perfect medium to express this feeling of being a misfit,” she shared.Reble also spoke about representation and the challenges faced by artists from Northeast India.“I do believe that we haven’t had the same opportunities as the rest of the country,” she said. “Coming out from a region like that, I feel very proud.”

‘Consistency is key’

As her popularity continues to rise, Reble said she believes persistence and self-awareness are the most important lessons she has learned so far.“The biggest lesson so far is that consistency is key,” she shared.She further added, “If you’re not good at something, you need to get better. Be realistic enough to know how bad you are.”