Bhojpuri songs are everywhere: at weddings, on Instagram reels, in truck stereos, and even in urban parties. Artists like Khesari Lal Yadav, Pawan Singh, and Shilpi Raj are household names among millions. Their tracks regularly trend with millions of views.
Despite this massive popularity, Bhojpuri songs are often mocked for being “crass” or “lowbrow.” The very audience dancing to them under disco lights often calls them “ashleel”.
But take a closer look at Bollywood or even some international pop hits, and you’ll find the same suggestive lyrics and innuendos — just served in more polished visuals and elite packaging.
Bhojpuri Music by the Numbers: Facts That Speak Louder
- YouTube Supremacy: Bhojpuri tracks regularly trend in Tier 2 and 3 cities, often outperforming Bollywood songs in North India.
- Example: “Laung Da Lashkara” by Khesari Lal Yadav hit 100M views in under 2 months.
- Streaming Stats:
- Khesari Lal Yadav: 8M+ monthly listeners on YouTube.
- Pawan Singh: Global fan base, with tracks like “Lollipop Lagelu” being remixed by international DJs.
- Shilpi Raj: A breakout star whose songs cross 150M+ views without big labels.
- Instagram Reels Boom:
- Over 3 crore reels used Bhojpuri tracks in 2023 alone.
- Hooks like “Bhatar Ba Mauga” and “Kamar Hilake” dominate meme pages and party anthems alike.
- Fun Fact: Bhojpuri songs make up 15%+ of music consumption in Hindi heartland regions on YouTube.
Infographic showing these stats side by side with Bollywood counterparts.
The Bihar Bias: Loved in Private, Mocked in Public
People across India celebrate Chhath Puja, wear Bihari-style sarees, and relish Litti Chokha. Yet, when it comes to openly embracing Bihari culture, there is a visible discomfort.
Bihar is often unfairly branded as backward, poor, or unrefined. But this bias ignores the immense cultural and economic contribution the state has made to the nation.
Bihar’s Economic Powerhouse Potential
According to the Bihar Economic Survey 2023-24:
- GSDP rose from ₹2.47 lakh crore (2011-12) to ₹8.54 lakh crore (2023-24)
- Construction sector alone grew by 22% (2022-23), contributing 50% of the state’s secondary sector
- Manufacturing is up by 37% in the same period
- Per capita income has reached ₹60,000 (still low, but steadily rising)
Comparative chart of GSDP growth from 2011 to 2024
Cultural Powerhouse: More Than Just Music
- Spiritual Heritage: Bodh Gaya (Buddha’s enlightenment), Vaishali (birthplace of Mahavira)
- Ancient Education: Nalanda and Vikramshila, global centers of learning in ancient times
- Literary Giants: Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Phanishwar Nath Renu, Vidyapati
- Art & Festivals: Madhubani paintings, Chhath Puja, Sonepur Mela
Highlighting Bihar’s key cultural sites & exports
So What’s Really Vulgar?
Ask yourself: Is it the content that bothers people, or the dialect it’s spoken in? Is it the romantic lyrics, or the fact that it’s not being sung in a ‘cool’ language by a trending celebrity?
There’s a deep-rooted elitism in what we choose to call ‘art’ and what we dismiss as ‘cheap entertainment’.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Reclaim Bhojpuri with Pride
Instead of mocking Bhojpuri content or Bihar’s vibrant traditions, it’s time we celebrate them. In a country striving to go global while staying rooted, Bihar is already doing both. And that’s something to be proud of.
So the next time you dance to a Bhojpuri beat — do it without guilt. You’re not just vibing to music, you’re celebrating India’s soul.
