A popular Bhojpuri actor entered electoral politics, transforming from entertainer to candidate in a constituency marked by underdevelopment. Early one morning, reporters visited his temporary campaign office in the Sadhanapuri area, a friend's house converted into a war room. Outside, supporters gathered, including some who had traveled from Uttar Pradesh to see Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, locally called Tippu Bhaiya, who was scheduled to campaign for the actor. Inside, the actor sat in simple white clothes, resembling a politician more than a film star. Campaign discussions were underway when a young woman, around 20-22 years old, entered in tears. She described her family's poverty—no house, no food, no toilet. The actor listened, then gave her 10,000 rupees, explaining that election rules prevented him from doing more but promising to arrange her marriage within a year after the polls. His journey from selling milk to stardom shaped his political message. He spoke about Bihar's lack of development, citing cricketers like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ishan Kishan who succeeded despite poor infrastructure. His ticket came unexpectedly; his wife was initially chosen, but her name was missing from voter lists. The entire decision happened within an hour. He expressed discomfort with political dishonesty, saying he came from an industry where truth mattered. Throughout the day, he moved from door-to-door campaigning to a massive rally where Akhilesh Yadav addressed crowds, then immediately left for another constituency without eating, embodying the relentless pace of election season.
From Struggling Milk Seller to Bhojpuri Superstar
The actor's early life was marked by severe hardship. He grew up without basic necessities—no food, no house, no bicycle, and no books for school. Yet he managed to survive and eventually thrive. He credits his poverty for making him a hero, saying he feels fortunate to have been born poor because it gave him the opportunity to become wealthy. Had he been born rich, his inspiring story would not exist. When asked about adding water to milk during his milk-selling days, he laughed and admitted it was not just necessity but also desire, as it earned him an extra two rupees. His transformation from those struggling days to becoming a recognized film personality demonstrates resilience. He believes his difficult past connects him with ordinary people who face similar challenges. This background became his strength in politics, allowing him to relate authentically to voters dealing with poverty and lack of opportunities. He insists that people should know him not by his name but by his work. His philosophy centers on action rather than words, emphasizing that one's deeds define character more than any title or family background.
Unexpected Entry Into Electoral Politics
The actor never planned to enter politics and described himself as strongly opposed to it. He believed politicians came to rule rather than serve, lacking genuine policies for people. As an artist, he felt uncomfortable with political dishonesty, stating he did not know how to lie. However, circumstances changed rapidly. His wife was initially given the party ticket, which became public knowledge. But her name was missing from the voter list, creating a sudden crisis. Within one hour, the decision was made for him to contest instead. He expressed discomfort with the political environment, saying it runs on lies and meaningless talk rather than addressing ground realities. Despite his reluctance, he felt compelled by what he described as divine will, suggesting God wanted him to attempt solving people's problems. When people began sharing their difficulties with him, he felt their pain deeply, forgetting his own troubles. He quoted a song: in a world full of sorrow, his own seemed small by comparison. This responsibility weighed on him, yet he remained uncertain about specific actions post-election, saying he would work within the alliance framework if their coalition won.
Campaign Trail and Public Interaction
The campaign day began early at his temporary office, where strategy discussions were interrupted by personal appeals. After the emotional encounter with the distressed young woman, he prepared for extensive public outreach. Around midday, wearing a white kurta with a green towel, he boarded an open jeep as supporters chanted slogans. The convoy moved through narrow lanes where vehicles could not pass, forcing him to walk through settlements. Residents emerged from homes to meet him personally. By 1 PM, he finished door-to-door work and headed toward the rally venue. Akhilesh Yadav was scheduled to arrive at 2 PM, but following typical political timing, actually reached around 4 PM. The ground was packed with people, and local leaders occupied the stage. When Akhilesh finally spoke, he appealed to voters to support the actor. After the rally ended, the actor descended from the stage drenched in sweat. He had not eaten all day, planning to grab something while traveling to his next destination—Raghopur, where he would campaign for Tejashwi Yadav. His relentless schedule reflected the demanding nature of election work.
Views on Film Industry and Personal Life
When discussing the Bhojpuri film industry, the actor rejected accusations of nepotism. He argued that if someone's child has talent, they should be allowed to act, pointing out that star children have not stopped outsiders from succeeding. He cited Kartik Aaryan, who has no film family background yet receives public love. On the controversial topic of vulgar songs and scenes, he deflected responsibility to the censor board, stating that music itself is never wrong—it brings joy to listeners. Different people have different tastes; those who enjoy devotional songs may dislike folk music, but it is simply market demand. Regarding his personal life, he spoke warmly about his wife Chanda, calling her the owner of half his being. She supported him during difficult times, standing by him when no one else besides his parents did. He wants her to remain happy always. About his two children, he maintains they are free to choose their own paths. He refuses to impose his preferences on them, believing they should decide their futures independently, just as he determined his own career without external pressure.
Focus on Bihar's Development Needs
Throughout the conversation, the actor emphasized Bihar's lack of progress and infrastructure. He highlighted talented individuals like cricketers Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Singh, and Akashdeep, questioning what role the government played in their success. These athletes rose through personal skill, not state support. He argued that if proper stadiums had been built in every district, Bihar could have produced a Mahendra Singh Dhoni in each one, as talent exists abundantly but proper facilities do not. This infrastructure gap became a central campaign theme. He criticized past governments for having power and freedom to speak but doing nothing for Bihar's people. The state's youth migrate elsewhere for opportunities that should exist locally. He framed his political entry as an attempt to change this reality through better governance. When asked what he would do immediately after winning, he struggled briefly before saying he would work within the alliance government to ensure development across Bihar. His message resonated with voters frustrated by decades of unfulfilled promises and visible neglect of basic amenities and growth opportunities.
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