Maithili Thakur, the 25-year-old folk singer making her political debut, has won the Alinagar seat in Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections on a BJP ticket by a comfortable margin against RJD’s Binod Mishra.
Meanwhile, Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav is trailing in the Chapra constituency, highlighting contrasting fortunes for celebrity candidates in this election’s dynamic landscape.
Bihar’s elections have triggered a buzz not only due to the political stakes but also because of the entry of cultural stars into the electoral arena.
Among the most watched new entrants are the renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur and Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav, both making a transition from entertainment to politics.
Maithili Thakur: Youthful Prodigy to Political Hope
Born on July 25, 2000, Maithili Thakur is celebrated for her soulful folk and classical singing that gained her nationwide acclaim. Hailing from Darbhanga district’s Mithila region, her fame was established early through televised singing competitions and extensive social media presence.
Her traditional roots and classical training have made her a symbol of cultural pride among the youth.
In October 2025, Maithili entered the political fray by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She contested from the Alinagar constituency in Darbhanga district, marking her first political candidature.
Her candidature was strategically significant for BJP, which campaigned vigorously in this region, including rallies addressed by national leaders like Amit Shah.
The election contest from Alinagar has been framed as a youthful outsider versus seasoned local politician battle. While her roots are in the Mithila region broadly, opponents have labelled her an outsider to Alinagar specifically, attempting to downplay her connection to local voters.
Despite this, as votes were counted, Maithili held a comfortable lead with over 3000 votes more than her nearest rival from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), indicating her resonance with voters and the effectiveness of her campaign.
Khesari Lal Yadav: Bhojpuri Superstar’s Political Foray
Khesari Lal Yadav, known originally as Shatrughan Kumar, is a household name in Bhojpuri cinema and music. Born in Chhapra, Bihar, he rose to fame through hit Bhojpuri films starting from his debut in 2008.
His songs and acting in films like “Saajan Chale Sasural,” “Mehandi Laga Ke Rakhna,” and “Sangharsh” carved for him a dedicated fan base across Bihar and neighboring states.
His political debut came in October 2025 when he was endorsed by RJD to contest from Chapra, an important seat in Bihar politics.
This was significant for RJD in broadening its elector appeal by integrating star power from regional entertainment into politics. Khesari’s entry to politics also symbolized the growing trend of actor-politicians in the state landscape.
Though the initial poll count suggested that Khesari was trailing in Chapra, his candidacy injected new energy and attention into the constituency.
His campaign was characterized by attempts to leverage his popularity, but it also had to contend with established local political dynamics and rival endorsements from other Bhojpuri celebrities campaigning against him.
Current Election Landscape
As votes are tallied in late 2025, Maithili Thakur maintains a commanding lead in the Alinagar constituency.
Official count updates show her ahead by a margin exceeding 3000 votes over the significant RJD opponent, indicating probable electoral success.
This promising debut will make her one of the youngest members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, potentially paving the path for more youth-driven politics in the state.
The vote counting and election results presented a mixed picture for Khesari Lal Yadav. While his star power galvanized crowds, he was reported to be trailing behind BJP’s candidate in Chapra.
Many observers view Khesari’s electoral debut not just as a personal political test but also a reflection of how regional parties like RJD are adapting to new political frontiers by enlisting cultural figures against a backdrop of traditional politics.
Challenges and Prospects for Khesari
Khesari faced the classic challenge that celebrity candidates often encounter: converting entertainment fame into concrete political capital. While his popularity is undeniable, Bihar’s politics is deeply rooted in caste equations, grassroots party networks, and local development issues.
Balancing his identity as an entertainer with the expectations of a public representative proved to be demanding.
Moreover, the Chapra constituency is politically sensitive, and voters have often shown discernment beyond fandom. The election outcome for Khesari has been closely watched as a potential bellwether for star-turned-politician trajectories in Bihar.
Election Significance and Wider Political Context
The 2025 Bihar elections are historic in many ways, noting the highest voter turnout since 1951. The entry of celebrities like Maithili and Khesari signals a blend of culture and politics, capturing media and public imagination.
Maithili’s rise among urban youth and Khesari’s outreach to rural supporters depict varying voter demographics.
Adding intrigue is the internal family feud in RJD between Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, underscoring fragmented allegiances and heightened electoral drama.
BJP’s focus on Alinagar, including star campaigners at Maithili’s rallies, underlines the strategic weight given to these constituencies.
