Hanuman Ansh: Who is Suneel Lodhi, meet the voice behind 'Maine Tere Hi Bharose' bhajan?

Hanuman Ansh: What began as a quiet theatrical release has turned into an unexpected box-office success for Hanuman Ansh. The Vishal Chaturvedi directorial, which released on August 7, has gradually gained momentum through strong word of mouth and is now reported to have crossed the Rs 60 crore mark in India.

Hanuman Ansh Sequel in making?

The film, which explores the early spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba, did not have the scale or promotional push of a major Bollywood release. However, its devotional subject and audience response have helped it stay in theatres and attract viewers. The makers have also confirmed that a sequel is in development, indicating their plans to take the story forward.

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Alongside the film, its devotional music has also started receiving attention. One voice that has particularly stood out is that of Suneel Lodhi, a Bundelkhand folk singer whose journey to Bollywood is as remarkable as the success of the film itself.

Who Is Sunil Lodhi?

Suneel Lodhi is a 25-year-old folk and devotional singer from Agra village in the Surkhi assembly constituency of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Visually impaired since birth, Suneel grew up in a family that depends on farming and livestock for its livelihood.

In an interview, Suneel spoke about his childhood and financial circumstances. He said that his parents tried to get treatment for his eyesight, but it could not be restored. He also said that financial difficulties and his visual impairment prevented him from completing his education.

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Instead, Suneel found his world in music and devotion. He began performing Bundeli folk songs and bhajans at village gatherings and religious programmes, often accompanied by the traditional tambura.

From Village Bhajans to Social Media

For many years, Suneel's singing remained largely limited to local audiences. His life began to change in 2019 when he met YouTuber Rohit Sahu, who runs the platform Bundeli Duniya.

After hearing Suneel sing, Rohit began recording his performances and uploading them online. One of Suneel's Bundeli songs received around nine lakh views on YouTube, bringing him a larger audience and more invitations to perform.

The biggest breakthrough came with the traditional Hanuman bhajan “O More Sankat Ke Kataiya Hanuman.” Sung in Sunil's earthy voice with the simplicity of his tambura, the bhajan became widely popular on social media. Its video crossed millions of views, and many listeners began searching for the singer behind the voice.

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 Voice Behind Hanuman Ansh

Sunil's viral bhajan eventually brought him to the attention of filmmaker and producer Pankaj VRK. He was invited to Mumbai to record devotional songs professionally while retaining the traditional sound that had become his identity.

One of the songs he recorded, “Maine Tere Hi Bharose Hanuman,” found its way into Hanuman Ansh. The song gave audiences another opportunity to hear Sunil's distinctive devotional style on a much larger platform.

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New Chapter for Suneel Lodhi

The growing appreciation for Hanuman Ansh has also helped introduce Suneel Lodhi's voice to audiences beyond Bundelkhand. His journey is a reminder that folk music can travel from village gatherings to mainstream cinema without losing its original character.

For an artist who spent years singing with a tambura in rural settings, hearing his voice in a Bollywood film marks a significant change. And as Hanuman Ansh continues to find appreciation, Suneel Lodhi is gradually receiving the recognition his voice and musical journey have long deserved.

- PTC PUNJABI