Who is Maithili Thakur, the singer-turned-politician now Bihar's youngest MLA?
Maithili Thakur, the celebrated folk singer-turned-politician, has won the Alinagar seat as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate, becoming one of Bihar's youngest MLAs.
The 25-year-old's impressive political debut has drawn widespread praise across the Mithila region. Adding to the significance of her victory, she defeated Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) heavyweight Binod Mishra, according to Hindustan Times.
She has won by more than 11,730 votes, defeating the RJD veteran Binod Mishra.
Here's what you need to know about the young cultural icon now entering Bihar's political landscape.
Born on 25 July 2000, in Madhubani's Benipatti in Bihar, Maithili grew up in a family deeply connected to music. Her father, Ramesh Thakur, a classical vocalist, trained her from an early age, and her mother, Pooja Thakur, managed the home while supporting her children's artistic pursuits.
Music was central to daily life, and Maithili, along with her brothers Ayachi and Rishabh, would eventually form a musical trio known for highlighting India's folk traditions.
The family later moved to Dwarka, New Delhi, to advance her training. Her early education was unconventional—homeschooled until class 5 before joining an MCD school around age 12 or 13, according to a Times of India report.
Her prodigious talent later secured her a music scholarship at Bal Bhavan International School, allowing her to balance academics with rigorous classical training.
Years of rejection before a breakthrough
Though she is celebrated today for her effortless command over Maithili, Bhojpuri, classical, and devotional music, Maithili's path to recognition was far from smooth.
Before becoming a household name, she faced repeated rejection as a child performer. She auditioned for several popular reality shows—including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs and Indian Idol Junior—but failed to make it through the final stages.
These setbacks came at a time when her family was putting in immense effort to support her career. Yet it was these early disappointments that strengthened her resolve.
Her breakthrough finally arrived in 2017, when she qualified for Rising Star India. Her soulful devotional renditions captivated audiences nationwide. She reached the finals of the show and narrowly missed winning the title—by just two votes. Though she ended as runner-up, the platform transformed her career, reports Times of India.
Becoming a cultural icon
After Rising Star, Maithili shifted her focus to social media, creating a rich archive of classical, folk, and devotional content with the help of her brothers. Her YouTube presence exploded, turning her into one of the most recognisable faces of Mithila's cultural heritage.
Her humility, grounded demeanour, and dedication to folk traditions earned her admiration across linguistic and regional boundaries.
Her contributions were formally recognised in 2021 when she received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi—one of India's top honours for young performers.
The Election Commission of India later named her the State Icon of Bihar, citing her cultural influence and deep connection to the state's traditions.