Bhikhari Thakur Biography 
Bhikhari Thakur is an iconic figure of Bhojpuri language, fondly called "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri". He was one of the greatest writers and artists belonging to this language known for the significant contributions in the form of theatre works, poems, lyrics, singer, actor and social activist. He has also given contributions to folk music and dance. He has written 10 major plays in Bhojpuri language - Bidesiya, Bhai-Birodh, Beti-Viyog or Beti Bechba, Kalyuga Prema, Radheshyam Behar, Ganga-asnan, Bidhwa-vilap, Putrabadh, Gabar-Bichar and Nanad Bhojai. His plays revolve around villages and rural society. He is regarded as the torch bearer of Bhojpuri language and culture.
He was born on December 18, 1887 at Kutubpur of Saran district, Bihar. Dal Singar Thakur and Shivkali Devi were his parents and he had one younger brother. He was born in a low-caste and hence had to face all the cruelties that existed in the Indian society then. He travelled to Kharagpur to earn a livelihood. Thakur is best known for the creation of the 20th century theatre form Bidesiya. He abandoned his traditional job of hair cutting to join drama at a younger age. Later he became popular in the rural areas as a folk poet, a folk singer, a folk dancer and actor. Bhojpuri audience was so theatrically inclined and Thakur became popular as a stage actor and playwright.
Bidesiya Theatre Style was noted for its vibrant style of presentation. It is a powerful expression of cultural heritage of weaker section of society. Though he depicted rural society through his works, they became popular at big cities like Kolkata, Patna, Benares and other small cities, where natives of Bihar have migrated. He died on July 10, 1971 aged 83.
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Updated: March 01, 2014
