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Mumbai: Khesari Lal Yadav, a Bhojpuri entertainer, is now contesting the Bihar elections. He joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in October 2025 and revealed that politics was not on his mind earlier. Here's everything you must know about his life:
Khesari Lal was born in Bihar as Shatrughan Kumar Yadav on 15 March 1986. His father worked two jobs, one as a street vendor during the day and another as a security guard at night. As a child, he helped his family by selling milk and grazing the cattle. Later, his family moved to Delhi. They began selling litti chokha to make a living in the big city.
He started his career as a folk singer at marriage ceremonies and other local events. In 2011, he made his debut in Bhojpuri films with the movie Saajan Chale Sasural. Since then, Khesari Lal has gone on to act in more than 70 films. He also recorded over 5000 songs in Bhojpuri and other languages. He made his debut in Bollywood with the song AK‑47 in 2014. His visibility increased after he became a contestant on Bigg Boss 13. Khesari Lal's entertainment career garnered him several accolades.
He has won the Best Popular Actor award (2016) at the Bhojpuri Film Awards, as well as the Best Actor & Best Playback Singer (Male) awards at the Sabrang Film Awards (2018) for Mehandi Laga Ke Rakhna.
In October 2025, Khesari Lal and his wife Chanda Devi formally became members of Bihar's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Soon after, he was announced as the party's candidate from Chhapra (Saran district) assembly constituency in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election. Earlier, he had stated that he didn't have any political aspirations. However, recently, he stated, "Maybe God wants this."
Khesari Lal also revealed that it was difficult for him to campaign due to his popularity as a star. Meanwhile, it is believed that he has an edge over others due to his ability to connect with Bhojpuri speakers and the youth.
