The identity of Bhojpuri cinema is not merely obscenity — there was a time when its songs spoke the language of family, soil, and motherly affection, and that…”The identity of Bhojpuri cinema is not merely obscenity — there was a time when its songs spoke the language of family, soil, and motherly affection, and that era can be brought back. This episode of the Sangam Talks Bhojpuri series is with actor, lyricist, and historian of Bhojpuri cinema Manoj Singh Bhavuk.
Manoj ji explains the creative process behind all five songs of his new film, which tells the story of the breaking apart and reunification of a joint family. The song written on a mother’s death, “Anchara Chhuda Ke Chal Gailu,” and the satirical songs about sister-in-law and husband’s sister keep alive the tradition of Majrooh Sultanpuri. Despite releasing on the day of the India-Pakistan match, 60 lakh views in one week — this is proof that when Bhojpuri connects with its roots, Bhojpuri speakers from across the entire world connect with it.

About The Speaker:
Manoj Singh Bhavuk is a well-known name in modern Bhojpuri literature. He is the author of numerous collections of Bhojpuri poetry and ghazals, as well as the first book on the history of Bhojpuri cinema, titled Bhojpuri Cinema Ke Sansar. He has written all five songs of the recently released film “Aapan Kahaaye Wala Ke Ba.” Bhavuk Ji is also the editor of the online Bhojpuri magazine “Bhojpuri Junction.” He has received several honours both within India and abroad for his service to Bhojpuri literature.
By profession an engineer, Bhavuk Ji worked in Africa and London, but returned to India to serve the Bhojpuri language, taking on various roles in Bhojpuri television — including screenplay writing, acting, hosting, and judging. He is actively committed to restoring poetic sensibility to Bhojpuri cinema and music, an effort that is clearly reflected in all five songs of “Aapan Kahaaye Wala Ke Ba,” which have been widely appreciated.

Prashant Pandey is currently the Director of the Centre for Hindu Identity Studies (CHIS). He worked as a journalist for nearly two decades, contributing to several national English newspapers. He has also been involved in book publishing and has co-authored two books, one of which is BBC’s True Lies.