Hansraj Raghuwanshi Biography: In the mist-laden hills of Himachal Pradesh, a young man who failed his college exams four times once stood behind a canteen counter, serving food to the very students he used to study with.
Today, that same man is a national sensation whose voice echoes from the peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling streets of Mumbai.
Known for his long natural dreadlocks, soulful traditional attire, and a voice that seems to channel the divine, this is the story of Hansraj Raghuwanshi, a singer who transformed devotion into a movement, popularly known as “Baba Ji.”
What began as quiet bhajans recorded with limited resources soon turned into a spiritual wave that swept across social media.
When “Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari” went viral, it wasn’t just a song , it became an anthem of faith for millions.
is music didn’t rely on glamour or grand promotions; it carried raw emotion, mountain simplicity, and an unwavering surrender to Lord Shiva.
From performing at small local gatherings to commanding massive stages at religious festivals and national events, his rise reflects more than fame, it reflects faith rewarded.
Each lyric he sings feels less like performance and more like prayer, resonating deeply with listeners searching for hope, strength, and spiritual connection.
This is not just the journey of a singer.
It is the journey of belief over doubt, devotion over defeat, and a small-town dream that turned into a divine calling.
Personal Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Hansraj Raghuwanshi |
| Nick Name | Baba Ji |
| Date of Birth | 18 July 1992 |
| Age (2025) | 33 Years |
| Birthplace | Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Hometown | Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Profession | Singer, Composer and Writer |
| Famous For | Singing devotional songs of Lord Shiva |
| Years Active | 2016–Present |
| Genre | Devotional Music |
| Instruments | Harmonium and Vocals |
| Net Worth | Estimated ₹10–₹15 Crore |
| Mother | Leela Devi |
| Father | Prem Lal |
| Brother | Manjeet Raghuvanshi |
| Sister | Seema Raghuvanshi |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Komal Saklani |
| YouTube Channel | Hansraj Raghuwanshi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Roots and Family Background
Hansraj was born on July 18, 1992, in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. However, his ancestral roots are in Mangal village, located in the Arki Tehsil of Solan district.
Growing up in “Devbhoomi” (the Land of Gods), his childhood was deeply immersed in the spiritual atmosphere and folk music of the hills, which later became the foundation of his career.
Early Influence
Hansraj Raghuwanshi Biography: Grew up listening to local bhajans and folk devotional songs.
Regular participant in village jagrans and temple gatherings.
Developed spiritual attachment to Lord Shiva from an early age.
His roots remain strongly connected to Himachali culture, and he often credits his village upbringing for keeping him grounded.
He comes from a traditional middle-class family that provided him with a grounded upbringing despite his later academic struggles.
The Early Struggle
His path to fame was anything but easy. His family was not wealthy, and Hansraj often found himself at odds with traditional education.
Academic Setbacks: He attended MLSM College in Sundernagar for a B.Com degree but famously failed the second year multiple times.
Labor and Resilience: During his struggling phase, he didn’t shy away from hard work. To support his passion for music and to keep his household running, he worked as a canteen server in the same college where he had failed his exams. He also took on menial labor jobs to save money for his early studio recordings.
The Career Journey: A Viral Phenomenon
Hansraj didn’t have a flashy launch. He started by recording bhajans on a mobile phone and uploading them to YouTube.
The Debut (2016): His journey officially began with the song “Baba Ji”, which gave him his nickname and a modest local following.
The Breakthrough (2019): Everything changed with the release of “Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari.” The song exploded across social media, turning him into a national icon overnight. Its raw, earthy energy redefined devotional music for the Gen-Z and millennial audience.
Bollywood Entry: His success caught the eye of the Deol family. He made his Bollywood debut with the song “Aadha Bhi Hai Zyada” in the film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019) and later contributed the hit “Oonchi Oonchi Waadi” for OMG 2 (2023).
The Canteen Days: A Humbled Heart
After failing his B.Com second year multiple times at MLSM College in Sundernagar, Hansraj faced a choice: give up or find a way to survive. In a turn of events that sounds like a movie script, he returned to the same college where he had failed—but this time, he was on the other side of the counter.
The Job: He took up work as a canteen server and dishwasher in 2009.
The Humility: Serving food to the very students he once studied with was a test of his ego. Instead of feeling defeated, he used this time to sharpen his spiritual focus.
The “Canteen Composer”: While cleaning dishes and serving tea, he would constantly hum tunes and write lyrics dedicated to Lord Shiva. He once mentioned that the rhythmic clinking of utensils and the chatter of students were his first background tracks.
The First Recording: Mobile to Studio
Hansraj Raghuwanshi Biography: His journey from the canteen to the recording booth was fueled by grit and pocket change.
Initial Recordings: Lacking money for a professional studio, he began by recording his bhajans on a basic mobile phone and uploading them directly to YouTube.
The Sacrifice: Every penny he earned from his canteen job and other menial labor was saved for one goal: a professional recording.
The Debut Song: In 2016, he finally gathered enough resources to release his first official song, “Baba Ji”. It was a humble start, recorded with music by Paramjeet Pammi, and it introduced the world to the “Baba Hansraj” persona.
The Moment of Magic
While “Baba Ji” gave him a local identity, it was the raw, unpolished energy he carried from those canteen days that eventualy led to his 2019 explosion with “Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari.”
He proved that you don’t need a degree to find your calling, you just need a voice that refuses to be silenced by struggle.
The “Baba Ji” Persona & Impact
Hansraj isn’t just a singer; he is a cultural bridge.
Signature Style: He often performs barefoot, maintaining a look that mirrors a modern-day ascetic (Sanyasi), which has become his unique brand.
Connection with Youth: By blending traditional folk elements with modern beats, he made “Bhakti” (devotion) “cool” for the younger generation.
Connections: He has performed at prestigious stages like Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation during Mahashivratri and has collaborated with acclaimed composers like Salim-Sulaiman and Tanishk Bagchi.
Television & Public Appearances
Unlike mainstream Bollywood playback singers, Hansraj built his fame primarily through digital platforms and live devotional gatherings. However, over the years, his growing popularity has led to several notable television and public appearances.
Devotional & Religious TV Programs
- Hansraj has been featured on:
- Mahashivratri special broadcasts
- Sawan month devotional programs
- Regional religious channels
- Live temple event telecasts
His performances are often aired during:
- Kanwar Yatra coverage
- Shivratri celebrations
- Spiritual music festivals
These appearances significantly expanded his reach beyond YouTube audiences.
Reality Show & Guest Appearances
While he has not been a regular participant in mainstream reality singing competitions, he has:
- Appeared as a special devotional guest on music-based TV segments
- Performed in spiritual event broadcasts
- Been invited for interviews discussing youth spirituality and devotional music
He is more commonly seen in faith-centered programming than commercial entertainment shows.
Famous Songs
Below are some of his most popular tracks:
- Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari
- Shiv Kailasho Ke Vasi
- Laagi Lagan Shankara
- Damru Wala
- Bhole Baba
His music blends:
- Devotion
- Folk rhythm
- Modern production
- Youth appeal
Musical Achievements
- Massive Digital Footprint
YouTube Icon: Over 14.4 million subscribers and 3.6 billion+ total views (as of early 2026).
Streaming Giants: His song “Parvati Boli Shankar Se” has over 770 million views, while others like “Damru Wala” and “Laagi Lagan Shankara” have crossed 500 million and 440 million respectively.
- “Pahari-Fusion” Pioneer
He is credited with bringing Himachali folk music to a national audience by blending traditional sounds with modern beats, earning him the title of the “Spiritual Rockstar.”
- Bollywood Success
Notable Tracks: He delivered the soulful hit “Oonchi Oonchi Waadi” for the film OMG 2 (2023) and made his debut in Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019).
Recent Work: Contributed to soundtracks for films like The Bhootnii and Shukrdosh in 2025.
- Major Recognition & Awards
Dadasaheb Phalke Indian Television Award (2022): Honored for his contribution to devotional music.
Youth Icon Award (2021): Recognized for making spiritual music popular among the younger generation.
Global Performer: Regularly headlines major spiritual events like Sadhguru’s Mahashivratri at Isha Foundation and has performed international sold-out shows in countries like Mauritius.
Major Controversies
Security & Crime (2025–2026): He was targeted in a major ₹15 lakh extortion plot. A former fan from Ujjain posed as his “brother” and later issued death threats using the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading to a police investigation and increased security.
Legal & Financial (2024): He faced fraud allegations in Chhattisgarh involving a dispute over ₹11 lakh related to event payments and professional commitments.
Creative & Public Image: * Plagiarism Claims (2019): His breakout hit “Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari” was widely compared to the song “Ma Rewa” by the band Indian Ocean, leading to debates over original credit.
Commercialism Critics: Some traditionalists criticize his “rockstar” aesthetic (dreadlocks and modern fusion music) as being too commercial for sacred devotional music.
Legacy & Impact
Today, Hansraj Raghuwanshi stands as one of the most recognized voices in contemporary Indian devotional music.
From working part-time jobs to record his early music, to releasing songs with billions of views and performing nationwide, his life story is often seen as an inspiring testament to dedication, passion, and faith.
Lesser Known Facts
Natural Style: Many believe his dreadlocks are styled, but they are natural, reflecting his “Malana” and mountain lifestyle roots.
The Canteen Irony: He now performs as a celebrity guest at the same institutions where he once worked as a laborer and canteen server.
Public Image: While he is often surrounded by rumors regarding his “hippie” lifestyle due to his appearance, he maintains a strictly spiritual and grounded image, focusing on “Bholenath” (Lord Shiva) as his ultimate inspiration.
Hansraj Raghuwanshi’s life is a testament to the fact that “failure” is often just a detour toward a much larger destination. From failing exams to winning the hearts of millions, he remains the “Amli” (devotee) of the hills.
By: Snigdha
