Who is Maithili Thakur? All about folk singer rumoured to contest Bihar elections 2025

Maithili Thakur is a reknowned Folk singer of Bihar

Folk singer Maithili Thakur recently made headlines after she met the BJP election in-charge Vinod Tawde and Union Minister Nityanand Rai. The pictures circulated on social media, sparking rumours that the folk singer is contesting the Bihar elections.

Speaking to reporters after her meeting, Maithili Thakur neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.

Although Maithili has since clarified that she met the ministers just to discuss the state’s future, the pictures have sparked curiosity among the fans.

Who is Maithili Thakur?

Maithili Thakur is a popular playback singer trained in Indian classical and folk music. She was born in Benipatti, Madhubani district, Bihar, to Ramesh Thakur and Bharti Thakur. Her parents are Maithil musicians and music teacher working in Delhi.

Maithili started learning music from her grandfather at the age of 4. She started performing at jagrans and other musical functions at age 10.

Maithili, along with her two brothers Rishav and Ayachi, received training at a young age from their grandfather and father in Maithili Folk, Hindustani classical music, Harmonium and Tabla.

She has also received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2021 from the Sangeet Natak Akademi for her contributions to Bihar’s folk music.

Maithili started receiving recognition after she appeared in Zee TV’s Little Champs in 2011. She again participated in Indian Idol Junior. The singer went on to win the "I Genius Young Singing Star" competition in 2016, following which she launched her album, Ya Rabba (Universal Music).

Maithili became a social media sensation after her videos of traditional folk songs of Bihar in Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Hindi went viral on social media. She also started performing on International stages.

Maithili Thakur received the Cultural Ambassador of the Year Award from the Prime Minister of India at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024.

She has also been recognised for her popularity and influence by the Election Commission by being named the "State Icon" of Bihar. The recognition also reflected her position as a state cultural ambassador.

Is Maithili Thakur really contesting the Bihar Election?

Maithili Thakur has recently sparked speculations that she is likely to contest the election from the Alinagar seat in the Darbhanga region.

The rumours started after the BJP election in-charge Vinod Tawde shared pictures with Maithili on his official X handle on Sunday. Alongside the pictures, the election in-charge noted that Maithili and her family had left Bihar in 1995 during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s tenure.

वर्ष 1995 में बिहार में लालू राज आने पर जो परिवार बिहार छोड़कर चले गए, उस परिवार की बिटिया सुप्रसिद्ध गायिका मैथिली ठाकुर जी बदलते बिहार की रफ्तार को देखकर फिर से बिहार आना चाहती हैं।

आज गृह राज्यमंत्री @nityanandraibjp जी और मैंने उनसे आग्रह किया कि बिहार की जनता के लिए और… pic.twitter.com/DrFtkxQWo0

— Vinod Tawde (@TawdeVinod) October 5, 2025

The post reads, “Today, Union Minister of State for Home @nityanandraibjp ji and I urged her that for the people of Bihar and for the development of Bihar, her contribution is expected by the common man of Bihar and that she fulfil their expectations. Best wishes to Bihar’s daughter Maithili Thakur ji!”

Maithili Thakur clarifies the election buzz

Maithili Thakur has recently clarified that she had met with Vinod Tawde and Nityanand Rai during her recent trip to Bihar to discuss the state's future, but that she had not yet made a formal decision regarding her candidacy.

She stated that she feels a particular bond with her home constituency and would like to run from there if given a poll ticket.

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When is the Bihar Assembly Election 2025? 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for the Bihar assembly elections on Monday. The voting will be held in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14.