Khesari Lal Yadav, a prominent Bhojpuri film star, is currently making headlines not just for his vibrant entertainment career, but for his political ambitions. He is contesting the Bihar Assembly elections from the Chhapra constituency as a candidate for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), with election results being announced today. His political foray adds another layer to an already compelling personal story.
Yadav’s journey to this political stage is as dramatic as any cinematic narrative, embodying a true rags-to-riches tale that began amidst significant struggle and poverty. His life has been a testament to perseverance, transforming from a street vendor to a celebrated superstar and now a political contender.
Born Shatrughan Kumar Yadav on March 15, 1986, in Bihar’s Chhapra district, he later became widely known by his stage name, Khesari Lal Yadav. From a young age, he harbored a deep passion for singing and dancing. However, his family’s severe financial hardships meant that pursuing this artistic dream was an arduous uphill battle. He famously sold “Litti-Chokha,” a local street food, to support himself and his aspirations, enduring years of economic hardship.
After a long period of persistent effort, Yadav finally broke into the Bhojpuri music industry. He released numerous hit albums, establishing his reputation as a popular singer. Songs like ‘Piyawa Gaye Re Hamar Saudi Re Bhauji’, ‘Saiyan Arab Gaile Na’, and ‘Saiyan Aiba Ki Na Aiba’ became widely acclaimed album hits, solidifying his fan base.
His success in music soon paved the way for a career in acting. Khesari Lal Yadav’s debut as a leading man in the film ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’ was a pivotal moment, catapulting him to overnight stardom. The film was a major box office success and quickly established him as a “new hero” in Bhojpuri cinema. He went on to star in other notable films, including ‘Naagin’, ‘Sapoot’, ‘Betaab’, and ‘Pratigya 2’, cementing his status among the industry’s top actors.
Beyond Bhojpuri cinema, Yadav also ventured into Bollywood. He lent his voice to the song ‘AK-47’ for the 2014 film ‘Koyalanchal’. He later sang ‘Holi Mein Ude Gulal’ for the 2016 film ‘Global Baba’. Both songs received appreciation from audiences, further broadening his artistic reach.
From his humble beginnings, Khesari Lal Yadav now commands an impressive net worth of approximately $3.8 million. This significant financial standing, which he declared in his election affidavit, stands in stark contrast to the days he sold street food for a living. His current political bid marks another significant chapter in the multifaceted career of this Bhojpuri icon, whose life story continues to inspire many.