Patna: Bhojpuri actor and singer Pawan Singh has announced his entry into Bihar politics, leaving behind the glitz of the entertainment world for the rough-and-tumble of the state’s 2025 assembly elections.
Pawan Singh known for his chart-topping songs and film appearances, exited the reality show Rise and Fall, hosted by business tycoon Ashneer Grover, citing a desire to be closer to the people of Bihar. Speaking on the show, he said: “My people are my God, and it is my duty to be with them during elections.”
His departure marks a shift from his television career to active political engagement, a move that has attracted significant attention among his large fan base in Bihar. Singh’s presence on the show had drawn Bhojpuri viewers, but he made clear that serving the public would take precedence over entertainment.
Ashneer Grover praised Singh during the finale, noting that the star’s charisma extends beyond performance: “He is not only an artist and musician, but also a leader. The people of Bihar are calling for him, and now his journey is on the path of politics.” Singh’s mother attended the final episode, prompting an emotional response from the singer, who described her as “my world” and said her blessings give him strength.
While bidding farewell, Singh addressed his audience: “You all made me a singer, you all made me a leader. Now it is my duty to go among you and support you in the elections. I will try to help you as much as I can.” Fellow participants expressed admiration for Singh, acknowledging his influence and urging the public to support him politically.
Singh’s life has not been without controversy. During the show, he candidly discussed personal tragedies, including the loss of his first wife, and hinted at his relationship with singer Akshara Singh. Previous allegations of misconduct, including an incident involving Haryanvi singer Anjali Raghav and a pending fraud case, continue to shadow him.
Politics, however, is not new to Singh. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Karakat, narrowly losing but demonstrating a growing political footprint that extended beyond his constituency to Buxar and Sasaram, where BJP candidates fared poorly.
Speculation about Singh’s political affiliations intensified after a meeting with former Union Minister R.K. Singh in Arrah, suggesting a possible alignment with the BJP. Notably, R.K. Singh had opposed Singh’s candidature in 2024, a decision that drew the ire of the Rajput community and contributed to electoral setbacks for the party.
Singh’s second wife, Jyoti Singh, has also entered politics and is expected to contest the upcoming assembly elections. She has campaigned alongside Pawan Singh in the past and recently met with VIP leader Mukesh Sahni, fueling speculation about her political ambitions.
In recent interviews, Singh praised Tejashwi Yadav for his grassroots connection with Bihar’s electorate. Responding to questions about Yadav’s educational qualifications, Singh quipped: “I am only a 6th-grade graduate, but I have highly educated people working for me. What matters is the intention to work, not just education.”
As Bihar gears up for its assembly elections, Singh’s entry adds a prominent celebrity presence to the political landscape, signalling that the star-studded world of Bhojpuri entertainment is increasingly intersecting with the corridors of power.
