Khesari Lal Yadav
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| Born | 15 March 1986 (age 40) Chhapra, Bihar, India |
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer, Dancer, Model |
| Years active | 2008 – Present |
| Known for | Bhojpuri Cinema, Singing, Acting |
| Notable works | Saajan Chale Sasural, Mehandi Laga Ke Rakhna, Sangharsh, Farishta |
| Awards | Best Popular Actor (2016), Best Actor & Playback Singer (2018) |
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| Religion | |
Introduction
Khesari Lal Yadav (born Shatrughan Kumar Yadav on 15 March 1986) is an Indian actor, singer, dancer, and model known for his work in Bhojpuri cinema. He has appeared in more than 70 films and performed over 5,000 songs in multiple languages including Bhojpuri, Hindi, Awadhi, and Haryanvi. He gained national attention through the reality show Bigg Boss 13 in 2019. Yadav made his film debut with Saajan Chale Sasural (2011) and his Bollywood singing debut with the song "AK-47" from Koyelaanchal (2014).
Early Life and Family
Khesari Lal Yadav was born as Shatrughan Kumar Yadav on 15 March 1986 in Dhanadih village, Saran district, Bihar. He came from a humble family; his father, Mangaru Lal Yadav, worked as a street vendor and night security guard. Khesari grew up in poverty and helped graze cattle and sell milk during his childhood. He got the nickname "Khesari" due to his talkative nature, similar to the fast-growing Khesari crop. He married Chanda Devi in 2006 and has a son and a daughter.
Early Career
In 1998–99, Yadav began performing in Bhojpuri theatre, singing in Ramayana and Mahabharata plays and learning the folk dance Launda Naach. He later moved to Delhi with his family, selling Litti Chokha to earn money. With his savings, he produced his first album, which failed, but his second album gained popularity. His dedication led to opportunities in the Bhojpuri music industry, and he soon became one of the most recognized singers.
Acting Career
Yadav made his acting debut in 2011 with Saajan Chale Sasural, which became a big hit. Between 2012 and 2016, he acted in over 40 Bhojpuri films including Nagin, Ae Balma Biharwala, Chhapra Express, Pratigya 2, and Khiladi. He won Best Popular Actor at the Bhojpuri Film Awards (2016) and Best Actor and Best Playback Singer at Sabrang Film Awards (2018) for Mehandi Laga Ke Rakhna. His notable films include Sangharsh, Naagdev, Dabang Sarkar, Coolie No.1, and Farishta (2023). Farishta, where he played a mentally challenged character, became one of the biggest Bhojpuri hits of 2023.
In 2019, he appeared in the reality show Bigg Boss 13 and made his Hindi film debut with Global Baba (2016). He also wrote the 2022 film Aashiqui.
Music Career
Yadav started as a devotional singer and released his first album in 2008. His early hits include Saiyaan Arab Gaile Na and Piyawa Rahele Saudi Re Bhauji. He entered Bollywood as a singer with the track "AK-47" (Koyelaanchal, 2014) and later sang Holi Me Ude in Global Baba (2016). His popular songs include Thik Hai, Ladki Patana, Tere Mere Darmiyaan, and the Bhojpuri version of Pani Pani with rapper Badshah. In 2022, two of his songs — Nathuniya and Le Le Aain Coca Cola — were listed among YouTube’s Top Indian Songs of the Year.
Philanthropy
Yadav runs a charitable organization called the Khesari Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and elderly people. He funds the education of 62 orphan children and regularly donates to flood victims and the needy, especially during festivals.
Political Career
In October 2025, Khesari Lal Yadav was announced as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate from the Chapra constituency for the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election.
Notable Works
- Saajan Chale Sasural (2011)
- Mehandi Laga Ke Rakhna (2017)
- Sangharsh (2018)
- Aashiqui (2022) – also as screenwriter
- Farishta (2023)
Achievements
- Best Popular Actor – Bhojpuri Film Awards (2016)
- Best Actor (Male) – Sabrang Film Awards (2018)
- Best Playback Singer (Male) – Sabrang Film Awards (2018)
- Two songs listed in YouTube’s Top Indian Songs of 2022
External Links
References