Maithili Thakur May Join BJP, Contest Bihar Elections: Folk Singer Praised by PM Modi, Avoided Bollywood After SSR’s Death
Digital Desk
Renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur is reportedly set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and may contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections from the Alinagar seat in Darbhanga. Known for her melodious voice and devotional songs, Maithili has previously turned down offers from Bollywood and reality shows, possibly due to other plans.
According to sources, Maithili recently met Bihar BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde and Union Minister Nityanand Rai, fueling speculation about her political entry.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born on July 25, 2000, in Bihar, Maithili gained recognition through music reality shows such as Indian Idol Junior and Rising Star. She performs in Hindi, Maithili, and Bhojpuri, specializing in classical, folk, and devotional music.
Due to family circumstances, Maithili was homeschooled until the fifth grade and later attended an MCD school around age 12. Her father and grandfather trained her in classical and Maithili folk music. Despite financial constraints—her father earned only ₹6,000–7,000 per month—she pursued music with dedication and eventually received a scholarship to Bal Bhavan International School.
Rise to Fame
After facing rejections from reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs and Indian Idol Junior, Maithili became the first runner-up on The Rising Star in 2017 while in 11th grade. Following this, she leveraged social media, particularly YouTube, to share her performances. Her family’s renditions of traditional folk songs, including Ram-Sita wedding songs, quickly gained popularity.
Her YouTube channel now has around 3.77 million subscribers, and she has over 13 million followers on Facebook, establishing her as a social media sensation. She has also released the album Ya Rabba with fellow artist Tannishtha Puri.
Why She Rejected Bollywood
After actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in 2020, Maithili decided to stop performing Bollywood song covers on her channel. She explained that the move was personal, reflecting her values and desire to focus on independent music.
Popular Songs and Recognition
Maithili is celebrated for her devotional and folk songs, including Mai Ri Mai, Rangbati, and Chhath Puja Geet. Her bhajans like Nagari Ho Ayodhya Si, Navratri Ke Bhajan, and Hari Naam Nahi To Jeena Kya are widely loved.
She has received multiple honors, including the Cultural Ambassador of the Year award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Atal Mithila Samman from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for promoting traditional folk music. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she began daily vlogging to showcase Bihar’s culture and cuisine, strengthening her bond with fans.
Political Prospects
If Maithili Thakur officially joins BJP, her popularity among young voters and supporters of cultural arts could bolster the party’s appeal in Bihar. Her entry into politics could reshape both her career and the political dynamics in the region.