Maithili Thakur: The Rising Voice of Indian Folk and Classical Music

When you hear a voice that weaves the soul of Indian folk music with the depth of classical ragas, you know you’ve stumbled upon something extraordinary. That voice belongs to Maithili Thakur, a young sensation from Bihar’s heartland who’s taking the world of Indian music by storm. With her soulful renditions of Mithila folk songs, Bhojpuri melodies, and classical compositions, Maithili has carved a unique space in the hearts of millions. Her journey from a small town in Madhubani to global fame is nothing short of inspiring. So, grab a cup of chai, sit back, and let’s dive into the vibrant world of Maithili Thakur, the rising voice of Indian folk and classical music.

Early Life: A Spark from Madhubani’s Soil

Born on July 25, 2000, in Benipatti, a quaint town in Madhubani, Bihar, Maithili Thakur grew up in a home where music was as essential as air. Madhubani, famous for its intricate Mithila paintings and rich cultural heritage, was more than just a birthplace for Maithili—it was the cradle of her musical soul. Her father, Ramesh Thakur, a respected local musician and teacher, and her mother, Bharti Thakur, a nurturing homemaker, fostered an environment steeped in creativity and tradition. Named after the Maithili language and her mother, Maithili’s identity was rooted in her cultural heritage from the start.

Maithili’s two younger brothers, Rishabh and Ayachi, are also musically gifted. Rishabh is a skilled tabla player, while Ayachi shines as a vocalist. Together, the Thakur siblings form a musical powerhouse, each complementing the other’s talents. Maithili’s musical journey began at the tender age of four, under the guidance of her grandfather. Her father, recognizing her prodigious talent, ensured she received rigorous training in Hindustani classical music, harmonium, and tabla. By age six, the family moved to Dwarka, Delhi, seeking better opportunities. Here, Maithili and her brothers enrolled in Bal Bhavan International School, balancing academics with their passion for music. This move marked the beginning of Maithili’s transformation from a small-town girl to a rising Indian singer.

The First Notes: Breaking Through Reality Shows

Maithili Thakur’s entry into the spotlight came in 2011 when she participated in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs on Zee TV. At just 11, her voice carried a maturity and charm that captivated audiences, even though she didn’t advance far. This experience was a stepping stone, fueling her determination to pursue music professionally. In 2015, she auditioned for Indian Idol Junior on Sony TV, making it to the top 20 and showcasing her versatility in Indian folk music and classical styles.

Her big break arrived in 2017 with Rising Star, a popular reality show on Colors TV. Maithili’s soul-stirring performance of the bhajan Om Namah Shivay left judges like Shankar Mahadevan and Monali Thakur in awe. Her flawless command over classical ragas and heartfelt delivery propelled her to the finals, where she finished as the first runner-up by a mere two votes. Though she didn’t win, Rising Star made Maithili Thakur a household name, cementing her status as a rising star in Indian music.

YouTube Stardom: From Mithila to Millions

Post-Rising Star, Maithili harnessed the power of social media to amplify her reach. She launched her YouTube channel, Mithila Mirror, where she began sharing her renditions of Mithila folk songs, Bhojpuri tracks, bhajans, and classical pieces. Her videos, often featuring her brothers, went viral, racking up views ranging from 70,000 to 7 million. Today, her YouTube channel boasts over 5 million subscribers, with 9 million followers on Facebook and 3.4 million on Instagram. Maithili’s ability to blend tradition with modernity has made her a YouTube music star.

Her repertoire is as diverse as it is enchanting. From the devotional Hum Katha Sunate Ram Sakal Gun Nam Ki to the soulful Chhap Tilak Sab Cheeni Re, Maithili’s voice carries the essence of Indian folk music and classical finesse. She sings in Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Bengali, Marathi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, and even English, showcasing her versatility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when live performances were halted, Maithili and her brothers created captivating content from home, keeping fans hooked with their musical synergy. Rishabh’s tabla and Ayachi’s vocals add layers of richness to her performances, making their collaborations a treat for music lovers.

Achievements and Accolades: A Star on the Rise

Maithili Thakur’s talent has earned her numerous accolades. In 2015, she won the I Genius Young Singing Star competition and released her debut album, Han Rabba, with Universal Music. The following year, her second album, Ya Rab, further showcased her vocal prowess. She also dominated Delhi’s state-level classical music competitions, winning five consecutive titles.

In 2021, Maithili received the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Sangeet Natak Akademi for her contributions to Bhojpuri music and Mithila folk songs. At just 21, this was a remarkable achievement. In 2023, the Election Commission of India appointed her as Bihar’s State Icon, leveraging her influence to promote voter awareness. That same year, All India Radio signed a historic contract to broadcast her classical recordings for 99 years—a testament to her enduring impact. In 2024, she was honored as the Cultural Ambassador of the Year at the Rashtriya Rachnakar Puraskaar, recognizing her efforts to globalize Indian folk music.

The Magic of Maithili’s Music: A Blend of Folk and Classical

What sets Maithili Thakur apart is her ability to seamlessly merge the complexity of classical music with the simplicity of Indian folk music. Her voice, rich with emotion, transports listeners to a world where tradition meets soul. Whether she’s rendering a Puriya Dhanashree raga or a traditional Chhath song, Maithili infuses every note with authenticity and passion.

Her bhajans, like Aisi Lagi Lagan Meera Ho Gayi Magan, evoke spiritual bliss, while her folk songs, such as Kaun Phulwa Phulela Lahalhi, are steeped in the earthy charm of Bihar. Even her Bollywood covers carry a unique flavor, but it’s her work in Mithila folk songs and Bhojpuri music that truly defines her. Maithili’s harmonium skills are equally mesmerizing—her fingers dance across the keys, weaving stories through melody. Paired with Rishabh’s rhythmic tabla and Ayachi’s harmonious vocals, her performances are a celebration of musical synergy.

Social Impact: Inspiring a Generation

Beyond her music, Maithili Thakur is a beacon of inspiration. Hailing from a small town, she’s proof that talent and hard work can transcend boundaries. Her humility and deep connection to Indian culture make her a role model for young dreamers. As Bihar’s State Icon, she’s actively involved in voter awareness campaigns, using her platform to drive social change. Her music also preserves and promotes Indian folk music, ensuring that traditional art forms remain relevant in a modern world.

Personal Life: Simplicity in the Spotlight

Maithili’s life off-stage is as charming as her performances. Affectionately called Tannu by her family, she shares a close bond with her brothers, Sunny (Rishabh) and Habbu (Ayachi). A foodie at heart, she loves golgappe, litti chokha, and chole bhature—dishes that reflect her Bihari roots. Her favorite actress is Alia Bhatt, and she enjoys spending time with friends in her downtime. Maithili completed her education at Atmaram Sanatan Dharma College in Delhi, but music remains her true calling. Her favorite raga, Puriya Dhanashree, reflects her deep love for classical music.

Challenges and Controversies

Maithili’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. After finishing as the first runner-up on Rising Star, some fans felt she deserved the win, sparking debates online. In 2022, she faced mistreatment by IndiGo staff at Delhi airport, an incident she shared on social media. Yet, Maithili’s resilience shines through. She remains focused on her craft, letting her music speak louder than any controversy.

The Road Ahead: A Bright Future

At just 24, Maithili Thakur’s future is brimming with possibilities. She aspires to sing for Bollywood while staying true to her roots in Indian folk music and classical music. Her dream is to take Mithila folk songs to global stages, and with her talent and social media reach, she’s well on her way. As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Maithili is poised to become a defining voice in Indian music.

Conclusion: A Voice That Resonates

Maithili Thakur is more than a singer—she’s a cultural treasure. Her voice bridges the gap between Indian folk music and classical music, blending tradition with emotion. From the lanes of Madhubani to the global stage, her journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and authenticity. As legendary singer Malini Awasthi aptly said, “Maithili is a powerful stream of folk music.” She’s not just Mithila’s pride but the future of Indian music. So, the next time you listen to Maithili Thakur, let her voice sweep you into a world of melody and magic.

Maithili Thakur: The Rising Voice of Indian Folk and Classical Music