Popular folksinger Maithili Thakur, once praised by PM Narendra Modi for her soulful performances, is now in the news for a totally different reason - a potential political entry prior to the Bihar Assembly elections. 25-year-old Maithili Thakur has recently met BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde and Union minister Nityanand Rai, giving rise to strong rumors that she could fight the coming polls on a BJP ticket.
Who is Maithili Thakur?
Maithili was born on July 25, 2000, in a musically rich household of Benipatti in Madhubani District. Her father, Ramesh Thakur was too a musician who trained her in Indian classical and folk music along with her brothers Rishabh and Ayachi, who often accompany her on stage. From a young age, she displayed a rare command over Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Hindi songs, becoming a cultural ambassador of Bihar’s folk heritage.
Recognitions and awards
Maithili achieved prominence through social media, gaining millions of followers and fans in Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. She has also performed abroad with her brothers and earned applauds for carrying the spirit of Indian folk music. In 2024, she was made brand ambassador of the Bihar State Khadi Gramodyog Board, a major milestone in her public life. She is also a holder of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar award by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Applauded by PM Modi
Her musical career even earned her admiration from Prime Minister Modi, with him praising her performance of a devotional song of Maa Shabri at the Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
From music to politics?
"I have a special connection with my hometown. Starting my political career from here would teach me a lot", Maithili said speaking at the Narmada Mahotsav, The Times of India reported. Now, as the Bihar elections draw near to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, Maithili seems poised to transfer her voice from the musical stage to politics. Her possible political entry has already drawn attention among political circles.
