Blind Bundelkhand Singer Suneel Lodhi Breaks Through to Bollywood with Viral Song
Visually impaired folk singer Suneel Lodhi from Bundelkhand gained nationwide fame after his rendition of “Maine Tere Hi Bharose” featured in the hit film Hanuman Ansh.
Suneet Lodhi, a blind folk vocalist from Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, built his early career performing devotional and regional songs on village platforms and train compartments, relying on a tambura as his companion. His online presence grew after a Hanuman bhajan titled “More Sankat Ke Kataiya” garnered 29 million views, turning him into a viral sensation. Music producer Pankaj VRK, impressed by the bhajan, tracked down Lodhi and brought him to Mumbai’s Sai Baba Studio, where he recorded eight tracks, including “Maine Tere Hi Bharose.”
The latter was selected for the film Hanuman Ansh, released on August 7 2026, and quickly became a nationwide hit. Following the song’s popularity, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited Lodhi, presented a ₹1 lakh honorarium, and promised governmental assistance for potential eye-restoration treatment. Lodhi’s journey illustrates how grassroots talent can reach mainstream cinema despite limited formal training.
Why it matters
The story shows how digital platforms can launch regional artists into national prominence, highlighting cultural diversity and social mobility.
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