Who is popular Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Pandey in Jan Suraaj’s first list of 51 candidates for Bihar polls

Famous Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Ranjan Pandey has been named among the 51 candidates of the Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. The list includes some professionals, including retired civil servants, lawyers, doctors, academics and social workers.

Pandey was selected from Kargahar Assembly constituency in Rohtas district. Earlier, it was rumored that Kishor will contest from here.

Who is Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Ranjan Pandey?

Ritesh Ranjan Pandey is a prominent singer and actor working in Bhojpuri cinema. He released his first musical album Bhojpuri in 2010. The actor rose to prominence after appearing in the 2016 film Balma Bihar Wala 2. The actor is well known for his songs, including Hello Kaun, which has over 900 million views on YouTube and reached number one on the global YouTube music video chart in 2020.
As of October 2025, the song has accumulated over 1 billion views on YouTube.

The singer has lent his voice for songs in several films, including A Balma Biharwala 2, Dulhan Chahi Pakistan Se, Bam Bam Bol Raha Hai Kashi, And Gharwali Baharwali. He has also appeared in several films, including Truck Driver 2 And A Balma Biharwala 2.

According to a report by ABP, the singer’s net worth is estimated to be between ₹12-15 crore. He charges ₹20 lakh per film while earning substantial income through singing, stage shows and brand endorsements.

He married Dr. Vaishali on May 14, 2021 and they welcomed their first child, a son, in March 2022. In July 2025, he joined Prashant Kishore’s Jan Suraj Party in Bihar.

Bihar Assembly polls

The state will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, while the counting of votes will take place on November 14. Of the 243 seats in the state, voting for 121 constituencies will be held on November 6, while voting for the remaining 122 constituencies is scheduled for November 11.