Maithili Thakur
Maithili Thakur | |
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 Maithili Thakur performing at Sanskruti Arts Festival in 2023 | |
| Born | Maithili Ramesh Thakur 25 July 2000 Madhubani, Bihar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | Jan 2012–present |
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| Relatives |
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| Awards | National Creators Award (2024) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
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Maithili Thakur (born 25 July 2000) is a prominent Indian singer, songwriter, and musician known for her contributions to various genres of music, including traditional folk, classical, and contemporary styles..[1] She was born on July 25, 2000, in Bihar, India. She has gained widespread recognition for her melodious voice and versatile singing ability. She rose to fame through her participation in several music reality shows, most notably "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs" and "Indian Idol," where she showcased her exceptional talent and garnered a large fan base. Maithili is particularly celebrated for her renditions of Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs, as well as her ability to perform in multiple languages, including Hindi, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Sindhi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi and Bengali. Apart from her television appearances, she has also released numerous music videos and albums that have received positive acclaim. Her music often reflects themes of love, culture, and tradition, resonating deeply with her audience. In addition to her singing career, Maithili Thakur is also active on social media, where she shares her musical journey and engages with her fans. Maithili continues to be an influential figure in the Indian music scene, representing the rich cultural heritage of her roots while also embracing modern musical trends. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for music have made her a beloved artist among fans of all ages. [2]
With a strong following on platforms like YouTube (over 6M+ across various channels) and Instagram (over 6M+), she connects with fans through her musical performances, live sessions, and personal insights. Her engaging content has made her a youth icon.
Early life
[edit]Thakur was born in Benipatti, Madhubani district, Bihar to a Maithil musician and music teacher working in Delhi Ramesh Thakur and Bharti Thakur.[3] She is named after goddess Sita as well as her mothertongue. Maithili, along with her two brothers, Rishav and Ayachi were trained by their grandfather and father in Maithili Folk, Hindustani classical music, Harmonium and Tabla. Realising his daughter's potential around the age of 6, her father relocated themselves to Dwarka in New Delhi for better opportunities.[4] Maithili and her brothers studied at Bal Bhavan International School where they won for the school at various State and National Level Competitions.
She has been interested in learning singing since childhood. She began learning music from her grandfather when she was only 4 years old. Maithili's first music master is her grandfather.[5] At the age of 10, she started singing at jagrans and other musical functions.[6]
Rise to fame
[edit]In 2011, Thakur appeared in Little Champs, a singing competition television series telecast in Zee TV.[citation needed] Four years later, she contested in Indian Idol Junior, telecast in Sony TV.[4] She won the "I Genius Young Singing Star" competition in 2016, following which she launched her album, Ya Rabba (Universal Music).[7]
In 2017, Thakur was a contestant in the season 1 of Rising Star, a television singing competition. Maithili was the first finalist of the show, singing Om Namah Shivaya which gained her direct entry into the final.[8] She was runner up, losing out by just two votes.[9] Following the show, her internet popularity rose significantly.[4]
In 2019 Maithili and her two brothers, Rishav and Ayachi, were made the brand ambassadors of Madhubani by the Election Commission.[2][10] Rishav is on the tabla and Ayachi is a singer and performs often on percussion as well.[2]
Manaspath
[edit]Maithili Thakur on her YouTube channel along with her two younger brother Rishav and Ayachi sings famous Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas. This Manaspath gives a huge success to Maithali as well as to her brothers. Currently they are on 310th episode and couplet (doha) no. 236 of Ayodhya kanda as of 07 April 2024.[11] After a huge success from videos on Facebook and YouTube the trio has been performing at various National and International Events, Literature Fests.
Promotor of Madhubani art
[edit]Maithili Thakur has played a significant role in promoting Madhubani art, a traditional folk art form originating from the Mithila region of Bihar, India. She has creatively integrated Madhubani art with her music. She often incorporates traditional themes and motifs from Madhubani paintings into her performances, thereby elevating the art form and introducing it to a broader audience. Through her social media platforms and public performances, Maithili raises awareness about Madhubani art. She shares stories about the art form’s history, techniques, and cultural significance, educating her followers and encouraging appreciation for this unique artistic tradition. Utilizing platforms like YouTube and Instagram, Maithili shares videos and images of Madhubani art, thus reaching a global audience. Her engaging content showcases the beauty and intricacy of the art, making it accessible to many who may not be familiar with it. As a prominent figure in Indian folk music, Maithili Thakur represents the cultural richness of the Mithila region. By incorporating traditional songs and themes related to Madhubani art into her work, she helps to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of her homeland. Maithili actively participates in art exhibitions, fairs, and cultural festivals that focus on traditional Indian art forms. By being a part of these events, she helps draw attention to Madhubani art and encourages others to explore and support it. Through these efforts, Maithili Thakur has significantly contributed to keeping Madhubani art alive and relevant in contemporary culture, ensuring that it reaches new generations and audiences both in India and abroad.[12]
Awards and recognition
[edit]
Maithili Thakur has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career.
- National Creators Award: Maithili Thakur was awarded the Cultural Ambassador of the Year Award by the Prime Minister of India at the inaugural National Creators Award on 8 March 2024.[13]
- NHRCCB India Pride Award: National Human Rights and Crime Control Bureau awarded NHRCCB India Pride Award to Maithali Thakur on 30 July 2022.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ Whitehead, Kate (9 March 2020). "Meet Maithili Thakur, India's teenage folk-singing internet sensation". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ a b c Khurana, Suanshu (29 April 2019). "Vocalist Maithili Thakur and her three brothers on being Election Commission's brand ambassadors in Madhubani". The Indian Express. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ "बिहार की ये बेटी रातों रात बन गई सिंगिंग सेंसेशन, मात्र 18 वर्ष की उम्र में फेसबुक ने बनाया सुपरस्टार". Amar Ujala. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ a b c Bhatt, Shephali (4 November 2019). "How life changes for internet celebrities – good, better, and sometimes worse". The Economic Times. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ "Maithili Thakur - Rising Star". Biographya. 11 March 2022.
- ^ "The hard road to success for YouTube star Maithili Thakur". IndianSpice. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
- ^ "Max Life Insurance launches 3 albums for the Winners and Runner's Up of i-genius Young Singing Stars Season 2". The Hans India. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ "Rising Star: Maithili Thakur is the first finalist; who'll ultimately win the show?". India Today. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ PTI (24 April 2017). "Bannet Dosanjh wins Rising Star, defeats Maithili Thakur by just two votes". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ "गायिका मैथिली ठाकुर बनीं मधुबनी की ब्रांड एंबेस्डर, निर्वाचन आयोग ने लिया फैसला". Zee News Hindi. 3 December 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
- ^ Live श्रीरामचरितमानस EP 302| अयोध्याकाण्ड l दोहा सं॰ 236 l अर्थ सहित l Maithili Thakur. Retrieved 7 April 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "Madhubani Painting by Maithili".
- ^ "'People are tired of listening to me': PM Modi's light-hearted exchange with singer". The Times of India. 7 March 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ "National Pride Award". 30 July 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2024.