Born in Saharsa district, Udit grew up moving across different parts of the state because of his father’s work, absorbing folk traditions along the way.
He says that at first, the melodies stayed with him more than their meanings. Later, curiosity led him deeper into the works of Bhikhari Thakur and Mahendra Misir, the poets and playwrights who helped shape Bihar’s folk imagination.
Many of those stories revolve around migration – a defining theme of Bhojpuri folk music and of Bihar itself.
One of India’s poorest states, Bihar has long been shaped by people leaving in search of work: first under colonial labour systems, later for the factories, construction sites and expanding cities of modern India. That journey has echoed through its music for generations.
One song Udit frequently performs, Jani Ja Bideswa Ke Or, from Bhikhari Thakur’s celebrated play Bidesiya, tells the story of a woman pleading with her husband not to leave home in search of work. The house will feel empty without him and her soul will suffer, she sings.
Written more than a century ago, the song emerged from a period of mass migration, but its themes remain strikingly familiar today.
Udit says preserving that connection between past and present has become central to his work.
“I want people to realise that Bhojpuri and Bihari music have much more depth than the stereotypes suggest,” he said. “I want them to hear the stories the music conveys.”
On social media, Udit often accompanies his performances with detailed explanations of their history and cultural significance. A short rendition of a folk song might be paired with a reflection on migration, colonialism or the work of a playwright.
It was what drew Khwab, the producer of Kachaudi Gali, to Udit’s universe.
About a year ago, he came across a video of Udit performing the song in his village on Instagram. The video caught Khwab’s attention. The caption held it.
“Utpal is obviously a brilliant singer,” Khwab said. “But when I read his explanation of the song’s history, I literally sat up in bed. I knew then that something significant had to come from this.”
