Bihar Assembly Elections-2025: Bhojpuri cinema has been playing an effective role in the social, cultural and now political life of eastern India for a long time. While on one hand the aura of these stars mesmerizes the audience on the screen, on the other hand, when these artists come down from the stage and go out to ask for votes, the public expects real work from them, not acting.
From acting to Parliament…stardom entered politics
Names like Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishan and Nirhua have succeeded in this formula, while some stars like Pawan Singh, Kunal Singh and Rani Chatterjee failed the political test. Now that the sound of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 is being heard, this question is in discussion: Will a new Bhojpuri face be able to win the mandate this time?
UP victory, failure in Bihar: Why did ‘star power’ not shine?
The popularity of Bhojpuri cinema stars in UP paid off, but their political hold in Bihar proved to be weak. Manoj Tiwari, who was earlier a singer and actor is now a BJP MP. He has won from the North-East seat of Delhi in 2014, 2019 and 2024. Similarly, Ravi Kishan joined the BJP after losing while in the Congress and reached the Lok Sabha twice in a row from Gorakhpur. Nirahua, who won the election from Azamgarh, proved that when stardom is combined with organization and hard work on the ground, victory is possible.
Pawan Singh's stardom…failed in front of voters
Popular Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh was given a ticket by the BJP in 2024, but later his seat was changed. After this, he contested as an independent and tried his luck from Karakat, but the result was disappointing. His popularity could not take him to Parliament.
Pawan Singh is among the popular Bhojpuri stars. He contested as an independent from Karakat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but lost. Many names like Khesari Lal Yadav, Akshara Singh and Rani Chatterjee, who are famous in Bihar cinema, remain in the news, but in politics, they have failed to win the trust of the voters so far.
Who passed, who failed: Report card of the stars
Faces that passed
Manoj Tiwari: Successful strategy, strong connection with the voters of Purvanchal.
Ravi Kishan: Strong support of the party, clear campaigning style.
Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua': Worked on ground and benefit of BJP's plan.
Faces that failed
Pawan Singh: Lack of electoral preparation and organization despite stardom.
Rani Chatterjee: Political inactivity after joining Congress.
Kunal Singh: Lack of political support despite initial efforts.
Akshara Singh: In search of new political ground after joining Jansuraj, not yet in a decisive situation.
Who will enter the electoral fray in Bihar?
Now that the countdown for Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has begun, the names of these stars have started resonating in the political corridors again. Especially Pawan Singh, whose next step will be watched by all. Will he contest elections again or will he now step away from politics? Khesari Lal Yadav is also seen on the platforms of various parties - will he try his luck for the first time? Akshara Singh's inclination indicates a new political platform. Leaders like Ravi Kishan and Manoj Tiwari will campaign for the party in Bihar with their influence.
Star vs. Public Representative: The challenge is big
Bihar's politics revolves around caste balance, regional equations and development issues. In such a situation, being a star gives him/her only an initial advantage. The reality is that there is a difference between becoming a hero of the screen and becoming a public representative on the ground. To succeed in elections, it is important to understand public sentiments, maintain continuous dialogue and fulfill social responsibilities. The public now looks at "character and work", not "faces". The star who listens to the problems of the public becomes the real hero. It will be interesting to see this time how much these artists who have an emotional connection with the Bhojpuri audience translate into votes.
Prakash Kumar Pandey