From Folk Singer to Bihar MLA: The Stunning Rise of Maithili Thakur at Just 25!

At just 25, Maithili Thakur has already achieved what many only dream of in a lifetime. Widely admired for her mastery of Indian classical and folk music, the young singer has now stepped into an entirely new arena. Maithili is no longer just a musician; she is now an elected representative. Contesting the recent Bihar Legislative Assembly elections under the banner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she secured a decisive victory—marking an extraordinary transition from the world of music to the world of politics.

Maithili first rose to national prominence in 2017 when she finished among the top four contestants in the reality show ‘Rising Star’. The platform opened doors that would eventually transform her into one of the most recognisable young voices in Indian folk music. She continued releasing song after song, winning the hearts of audiences across India. Her dedication to showcasing Bihar’s rich heritage earned her the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2021.

Renowned for her command over Hindustani classical and folk traditions, Maithili performs fluently in Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, and several other regional languages. However, it is her folk renditions that have made her a household name across millions of Indian homes.

Her dominance on social media is equally impressive. Songs posted on Facebook frequently go viral, and her reach across platforms dwarfs that of many established Bollywood celebrities.

Follower Count Across Platforms

In earlier interviews, Maithili stated that she received her foundational training in Hindustani classical and folk music under the guidance of her father and grandfather. She also learned the harmonium and tabla from a young age. Participating in talent shows such as ‘Indian Idol Junior’ and ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs’ deepened her passion for music and strengthened her resolve to pursue it professionally.

Although she briefly distanced herself from Bollywood following actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death in 2020, she eventually returned to playback singing. Still, it is folk music that remains her strongest identity.

Born on 25 July 2000 in Madhubani, Bihar, Maithili grew up in a musically rich family. She and her two brothers often performed together, including during recent election campaigns. Last year, she received the Creators Award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was reportedly captivated by her rendition of the ‘Shiv Stotram’. A photo she recently shared with the Prime Minister went viral days before the election.

From singer to MLA, Maithili’s journey is not only remarkable but also deeply inspiring—an example of how talent, dedication, and public affection can together forge an extraordinary path.