Feb 28, 2026 Languages : English | ಕನ್ನಡ

Who is Khesari Lal Yadav? Bhojpuri Superstar Admired by Janhvi Kapoor

The Indian actress Janhvi Kapoor took the attention recently after saying Bhojpuri star Khesari Lal Yadav is “very cute” and dreamt of making a romantic film with him. She even said Khesari is like Salman Khan, referring to him as the “Salman Khan of Bhojpuri cinema.” This bracing remark has generated interest from Bollywood, who might not know the stories of Khesari Lal Yadav’s life journey and impact.

Who is Khesari Lal Yadav? Bhojpuri Superstar Admired by Janhvi Kapoor
Who is Khesari Lal Yadav? Bhojpuri Superstar Admired by Janhvi Kapoor

Early Life and Background

Khesari Lal Yadav was born as Shatrughan Kumar Yadav on 15 March 1986, in Chhapra, Bihar. As a small-time job seeker with little family backing, he struggled to become the name in the entertainment world. He ascended to celebrity as he did from struggling financially as a kid with few chances in life to becoming one of the most respected individuals of Bhojpuri cinema.

Career in Bhojpuri Cinema

Khesari made his acting debut in 2011 with Saajan Chale Sasural. Since then, he has appeared in more than 70 movies and sung over 5,000 songs, making him one of the most prolific entertainers in the region's movie business. The result has been a series of energetic performances, a melodic voice, and even "Mega Star" performances, with many of his audiences receiving his message. Other than performing in Bhojpuri, he has also appeared in Hindi, Awadhi and Haryanvi languages, extending his audience scope. He was able to achieve national fame after participating in the reality television show, Bigg Boss 13, which broadcast his name to a wider audience across India.

Awards and Recognition

Khesari Lal Yadav has won multiple awards such as Best Popular Actor Award at Bhojpuri Film Awards (2016), Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award (2017) and UP Ratna Award (2017). These accolades are indicative of his incredible popularity and contribution to regional cinema.

The Context of Janhvi Kapoor’s Statement

In calling Khesari the “Salman Khan of Bhojpuri cinema,” Janhvi emphasized his huge fan base and high profile on screen. Salman Khan is the Bollywood movie king and box‑office champion, and Khesari has similar status in Bhojpuri movies. Her appreciation seems to be acknowledging the increasing role of regional cinema and the opening from Bollywood for Bhojpuri cooperation.

And just as important as the Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav, he is truly a Bhojpuri personality with a wide fan base and an amazing life. Janhvi Kapoor’s statement has thrust him into the limelight in not only Bollywood, but also triggered conversations about cross-industry partnership. If it did, it would be a historic moment in Indian cinema blending Bollywood glamour with Bhojpuri star power.