The political landscape of Bihar has taken a dramatic turn ahead of the 2025 Assembly Elections, as two Bhojpuri cinema icons — Ravi Kishan and Khesari Lal Yadav — find themselves locked in a fierce and increasingly personal war of words. What began as a political disagreement has quickly snowballed into a high-voltage confrontation that has captured public attention across Bihar and beyond.
Their ongoing verbal exchanges have not only drawn massive media coverage but have also intensified the already charged political atmosphere in the state. With both actors commanding huge fan bases and deep emotional connections with the people of Bihar, their rivalry has added a new entertainment-driven edge to the election season.
Bhojpuri Stars Turn Political Rivals
Khesari Lal Yadav, one of the most popular figures in Bhojpuri entertainment, is contesting from Chhapra on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket. Known for his mass appeal and grassroots connection, Khesari is positioning himself as a voice of the common people.
On the other side stands Ravi Kishan, a seasoned actor, sitting BJP Member of Parliament, and one of the ruling party’s most prominent star campaigners. Ravi has been touring Bihar extensively, rallying support for BJP candidates while also emphasizing his record as a cultural ambassador for the Bhojpuri-speaking population.
The confrontation between the two began when Khesari Lal accused Ravi Kishan of “doing nothing for the Bhojpuri industry” despite being both a veteran actor and a sitting MP. “He talks about Bhojpuri pride, but what has he done for Bhojpuri cinema or artists?” Khesari remarked during a campaign rally.
Ravi Kishan swiftly responded, accusing Khesari of “tarnishing the image of Bhojpuri cinema” through his film choices and off-screen controversies. He further claimed that Khesari’s rise represented a period of “decline” for the once-respected Bhojpuri industry.
From Cinema to Politics: The Battle Intensifies
The rivalry, which once played out in the film industry, has now spilled onto the political stage with full force. Tensions reached a new peak after Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary referred to Khesari Lal as a “nacchne wala” (dancer) — a remark that drew outrage from Khesari’s supporters and several cultural figures.
Reacting sharply, Khesari fired back, saying, “Their party has four dancers — Ravi Kishan, Manoj Tiwari, Nirahua, and Pawan Singh. Why the double standards now?” His statement quickly went viral, prompting an avalanche of reactions on social media.
Meanwhile, Ravi Kishan maintained his political composure but didn’t hold back. He countered, “Politics is about service, not showmanship. People of Bihar know who has worked for their development. I have always stood for Bhojpuri pride — in cinema, culture, and Parliament.”
Cinema, Celebrity, and Electoral Politics
The ongoing clash between Ravi Kishan and Khesari Lal underscores the deepening link between entertainment and electoral politics in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Bhojpuri cinema has long been intertwined with the socio-political life of the region, and actors often enjoy a godlike following among their fans.
Both stars transcend caste and regional boundaries, giving them significant political influence. Their massive popularity allows them to reach diverse demographics — from rural voters to urban youth — making them invaluable assets to political parties seeking mass connect.
Political experts suggest that this war of words is not just personal but strategic. While Ravi Kishan projects himself as a symbol of BJP’s nationalism and development agenda, Khesari Lal is shaping his RJD campaign around regional pride, social justice, and youth representation.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The feud has sparked a storm across social media platforms, with hashtags like #RaviKishanVsKhesariLal and #BiharElection2025 trending for days. Fans have been fiercely defending their idols, turning Twitter and Instagram into digital battlegrounds.
Videos, memes, and edited speeches from rallies are being widely circulated, giving the election campaign a dramatic, almost cinematic flair. Political observers note that the growing spectacle reflects how deeply intertwined celebrity culture has become with public discourse in India.
However, analysts warn that such personality-driven confrontations might divert attention from pressing electoral issues like unemployment, healthcare, and education — subjects that remain critical to Bihar’s development narrative.
What Lies Ahead
As the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 approaches, both Ravi Kishan and Khesari Lal are expected to double down on their campaign efforts. Their political rivalry symbolizes a larger cultural shift, where Bhojpuri film stars are evolving from entertainers into key influencers shaping political opinion.
Regardless of who emerges victorious at the ballot box, the high-profile confrontation between these two powerhouses has already become one of the most talked-about stories of the election season. It has turned the political battlefield into a stage where cinema, politics, and personal pride collide — captivating millions of voters who now watch eagerly as their favorite stars fight for more than just applause.
