Mukesh Sahani

Some Lesser Known Facts About Mukesh Sahani

• At eighteen, he left home for Mumbai in 1999, seeking work. Initially, he was a salesman for a cosmetic brand but soon transitioned to a set designer in Bollywood.

• He rose to prominence after designing the set for Shah Rukh Khan‘s Devdas, alongside renowned designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai. Subsequently, he worked on sets for various films and TV shows, such as Salman Khan‘s Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Bigg Boss.

  

• Later, he assumed directorship roles in three companies – RM Films Private Limited, Mukesh Cine Art Enterprise Private Limited, and Mukesh Cine World Private Limited. In 2008, he made a shift towards social work. ^[14]Zaubacorp

• Upon returning to his village from Mumbai in 2008, he was deeply troubled by the poverty and hardships faced by his community, the Nishads, also known as Mallahs or fishermen. In response, he established the Sahani Samaj Kalyan Sanstha in 2010 and set up offices in both Darbhanga and Patna to address these issues.

  

• He raised awareness within the Nishad community regarding education, reservation, and their rights. On 16th February 2014, he orchestrated a significant Nishad Society Rights Conference at Raj Maidan in Darbhanga, which came to be known as the ‘Nishad Revolution of Bihar.’

• Acknowledging his contributions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated him as a prominent campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2014 general elections and 2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. He eventually distanced himself from the BJP, expressing dissatisfaction with their failure to fulfil their commitment to including the Nishad community in the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.

  

• In 2015, he established another organization called Nishad Vikas Sangh, which began functioning on a district-wise level in Bihar.

• He secured an MLC seat for Bihar Legislative Council under the BJP’s quota in January 2021, fulfilling his term until July 2022. In February 2023, the Indian government assigned him Y+ security, a move perceived as a gentle effort to attract him towards the NDA.

  

• In an interview in March 2023, he expressed his aspirations to assume the role of Bihar Chief Minister and said,
  

  Sapna dekhenge tabhi na sapna pura karenge (only if we have dreams, we can fulfil them). If Jitan Ram Manjhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and Miss Mayawati can become the CM, why can’t the ‘son of Mallah’? Nishad-Mallah (fishermen) community accounts for more than 15% of the population in and UP. So, I deserve this post.” ^[15]The Times of India

  

• During his political rallies, he has expressed his commitment to the principles of Phoolan Devi, a former dacoit turned Member of Parliament, who was associated with the Nishad community.

  

• The specially designed rath (vehicle) for his 101-day journey in 2023 cost around Rs 3-4 crores. It involved the conversion of a Mercedes Benz bus within a two-month timeframe and was equipped with various amenities, including a TV, sofa, meeting room, and AC. ^[16]Prabhat Khabar
  

  

  

• He is renowned for employing innovative methods in his campaigns and rallies. In a July 2023 rally, he urged the audience to realize the significance of their voting power by drawing parallels with Lord Hanuman. He further urged them to pledge against selling their votes, symbolically using water from the Ganges river (Gangajal). ^[17]ABP News

• After assuming office as a Minister in the Bihar cabinet, he was assigned Bungalow number 6. Following his removal in March 2022, rumours circulated about a bad omen (Vastudosh) linked to the bungalow. Reportedly, three previous ministers who resided there could not complete their terms. ^[18]Prabhat Khabar