The Bhojpuri music world has lost a shining star. Popular Bhojpuri folk singer and dancer Bijali Rani passed away at the age of 70 on Friday evening. The veteran artist, who hailed from Bhanpur in Sasaram district of Bihar, breathed her last at her ancestral home in Natwar village, Rohtas. She had been battling illness for a long time, and her death has left the Bhojpuri industry and her countless fans in deep sorrow.
The End of a Glorious Era in Bhojpuri Folk Music
Bijali Rani was one of the most celebrated figures in the Bhojpuri folk world. Her melodious voice and electrifying dance moves once ruled the hearts of audiences across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. In the 1980s and 1990s, she became a household name, performing in numerous local and regional events that made her a symbol of Bhojpuri culture and pride.
Her fans lovingly called her “Bijali Rani,” a name that perfectly matched her lively presence and energy on stage. Every performance of hers was a burst of enthusiasm, reflecting the rhythm and soul of Bhojpuri traditions. But behind that radiant smile, the singer silently fought a tough battle against illness in her final years.
Bijali Rani’s Illness and Cause of Death
According to close family sources, Bijali Rani had been suffering from kidney failure for quite some time. Both of her kidneys had stopped functioning properly, leading to serious health complications. Despite undergoing several rounds of treatment, her condition did not improve. She frequently traveled between her home and hospitals for medical care. Unfortunately, on Friday, her body could no longer bear the pain, and she passed away peacefully at her residence in Natwar village.
Her illness had been ongoing for several years, but she continued to keep her spirit alive. Even during her weakest days, she remained connected to music and often spoke about her love for Bhojpuri folk songs and traditional dance forms. Her dedication to her art till her last days is what made her a true legend.
Early Life and Journey into Bhojpuri Music
Born in Natwar village of Sasaram district, Bijali Rani discovered her passion for music at a young age. Growing up in a region steeped in Bhojpuri traditions, she was drawn to folk singing and dance during her childhood. Her powerful voice, filled with emotion and charm, quickly caught the attention of local audiences.
In the late 1970s, she began performing at small cultural events and fairs. Her natural stage presence and energy soon made her a regular name in local theatres and wedding programs. By the 1980s, Bijali Rani had become a sensation, especially across the Bhojpur, Shahabad, and Magadh regions, where her performances attracted massive crowds.
A Star of the Bhojpuri Stage
During the peak of her career, no cultural event, fair, or wedding was considered complete without Bijali Rani’s performance. Her shows were not only popular among the masses but also among the elite. Her fees were considered among the highest in the folk circuit, and people often traveled long distances just to witness her live shows.
She had an exceptional command over traditional Bhojpuri rhythms and lyrics. Her songs reflected the beauty of rural life, emotions, and relationships in simple yet powerful words. Her captivating dance steps added an unmatched charm to her performances. Audiences were left mesmerized every time she took the stage, earning her immense respect and admiration.
Contributions to Bhojpuri Cinema and Music
Bijali Rani’s influence was not limited to live performances. She worked in several Bhojpuri films and music videos, leaving her imprint on the silver screen as well. Her songs, often rooted in traditional themes, became hits among rural and urban audiences alike.
Through her music, Bijali Rani helped bring Bhojpuri folk singing to mainstream attention. Her talent paved the way for many young artists who later joined the Bhojpuri entertainment industry. She was often regarded as a mentor figure and a source of inspiration for emerging singers and dancers.
Admiration and Fan Following
Bijali Rani’s fan following was immense. From Bhojpur to Shahabad and Magadh, her admirers treated her like a superstar. Her performances were known for their high energy, cultural authenticity, and emotional depth. Even in an era without social media, her popularity spread far and wide through word of mouth.
Her songs became part of people’s lives, sung in festivals, weddings, and gatherings. Her voice carried the essence of the Bhojpuri soil — strong, expressive, and full of life. Generations grew up listening to her tunes, making her one of the most loved folk artists of her time.
Pawan Singh’s Support During Her Illness
In 2025, when Bijali Rani’s health began to decline due to kidney failure, Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh came forward to help her. Pawan Singh, who considered her as his aunt, took her to Lucknow for medical treatment. Reports suggested that he bore the expenses for her two-month-long treatment, which temporarily improved her condition.
Pictures of Pawan Singh visiting her at the hospital had surfaced online, showing his concern and respect for the legendary artist. Despite all efforts, her health eventually worsened. Her passing has now left a huge void in the Bhojpuri music community.
Mourning in the Bhojpuri Industry
The news of Bijali Rani’s death spread quickly, leaving the Bhojpuri film and music industry in shock. Artists, fans, and well-wishers expressed their condolences and shared heartfelt messages on social media. Many remembered her as a symbol of grace, dedication, and resilience.
Fellow artists recalled how she used to encourage newcomers and guide them with her experience. She was often seen as the embodiment of Bhojpuri culture — strong, expressive, and deeply connected to her roots. Her absence will be felt not only by the industry but also by the countless fans who grew up listening to her voice.
Legacy of Bijali Rani
Bijali Rani’s contribution to Bhojpuri folk music is timeless. She represented a generation of artists who kept the region’s cultural identity alive through songs and performances. Her music carried the flavor of village life, celebrations, and emotions that defined Bhojpuri traditions.
Even after her demise, her legacy will continue to inspire upcoming singers and dancers. Her journey from a small village in Sasaram to becoming one of the most celebrated folk artists in North India is a story of determination, talent, and passion.
The Bhojpuri industry owes much of its popularity to artists like Bijali Rani, who laid the foundation for today’s thriving musical scene. Her songs and performances will remain alive in the hearts of her admirers forever.
Bijali Rani will be remembered not just for her music but for the life she led — full of struggle, art, and inspiration. She was more than an entertainer; she was a storyteller who used rhythm and melody to connect with the soul of her people.
Her death marks the end of an era in Bhojpuri folk history. But her art continues to live on, echoing in every festival, every folk gathering, and every heart that beats to the rhythm of Bhojpuri songs.
As the Bhojpuri music world bids farewell to its beloved “Bijali,” her journey from the humble stages of Sasaram to the grand celebrations across Bihar remains a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
Bijali Rani’s legacy will forever remind us that true artists never die — they live on through their art, their songs, and the hearts they touch.
