Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav has firmly shut the door on his political ambitions, declaring that the world of politics is not for him. The singer-actor, adored by millions for his chart-topping songs and blockbuster films, revealed his decision in a candid interview, citing the compulsion to lie as the primary reason.
‘I am an artist, and that’s what I want to remain,’ Khesari stated emphatically. ‘Politics isn’t my cup of tea. There, you have to speak untruths, and I am a man who values honesty above all.’ His words resonate with many who have seen the gritty underbelly of electoral battles, where promises often outpace delivery.
Khesari’s brief foray into politics began last year when he joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections. The party, banking on his massive fan following in the Bhojpuri belt, fielded him from the Chhapra assembly seat under the Saran Lok Sabha constituency. But the gamble didn’t pay off. He lost to BJP’s Chhoti Kumari by over 7,600 votes.
This seat has been a BJP stronghold for years, with victories in 2010, 2015, 2020, and even 2025. BJP’s CN Gupta represented Chhapra in 2015 and 2020. Khesari’s defeat wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it left him disillusioned.
Reflecting on the loss in January, Khesari didn’t mince words. ‘Everyone in Bihar knows why we lost,’ he said, hinting at deeper issues within the RJD and the political climate. He expressed comfort in his artist identity, saying, ‘As an artist, I feel more at ease. Politics isn’t right for people like us.’
He painted a stark picture of political life: ‘Speaking the truth is tough here. If you can make false promises and fool the world, then step into politics.’ Khesari, whose real name is Shatrughan Yadav, has built a legendary career in Bhojpuri cinema. Hits like his romantic ballads and action-packed dramas have made him a household name.
Fans have mixed reactions. While some applaud his return to roots, others wonder if this is a temporary retreat. For now, Khesari seems resolute. ‘I believe in truth, and that’s my strength,’ he affirmed. As he refocuses on music and films, the Bhojpuri industry eagerly awaits his next move. Politics may have lost a potential star, but entertainment gains one back.