Manoj Bhawuk Honoured with Best Lyricist Award for ‘Dulhaniya Naach Nachawe’

Patna: Renowned Bhojpuri lyricist Manoj Bhawuk has been awarded the Best Lyricist honour at the 7th Saras Salil Bhojpuri Cine Awards 2026, held at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna recently.

He received the award for his work in the film Dulhaniya Naach Nachawe. The accolade was presented by Abhay Sinha, president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association.

Speaking after receiving the award, Bhawuk reflected on the legacy of Bhojpuri cinema, saying that award ceremonies should honour the pioneers who laid its foundation rather than merely celebrating contemporary achievements. “One day we too will become part of the past. The real joy lies in being remembered and appreciated even after we are gone,” he said.

He credited music director Rajnish Mishra for introducing him to the film industry as a lyricist and dedicated the award to him. Bhawuk also expressed gratitude to producer Nishant Ujjwal.

The Bhawuk–Mishra collaboration has consistently delivered memorable Bhojpuri songs, including “Tor Baurahwa Re Mai” from Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna, “Mere Ram” from Mehmaan, and tracks from Aapan Kahaye Wala Ke Ba, all of which have contributed to shaping a distinctive identity for Bhojpuri music.

Widely regarded as a multifaceted literary figure, Bhawuk is known not only as a lyricist but also as a poet, ghazal writer, editor, and film historian. His ability to balance intellectual depth with mass appeal has earned him the title of the “Encyclopedia of Bhojpuri Cinema.”

His research-based book Bhojpuri Cinema Ke Sansar chronicles the evolution of Bhojpuri cinema up to 2025, while his other notable works include Chalni Mein Pani and Tasveer Zindagi Ke.

Often described as a cultural ambassador of Bhojpuri, Bhawuk has consistently advocated for clean and dignified lyrical expression, consciously steering away from double-meaning or obscene content. At a time when the language of Bhojpuri film music faces scrutiny, his work continues to offer a hopeful and refined alternative.

An engineer by profession, Bhawuk has worked internationally, including in London and parts of Africa, before returning to his cultural roots. His global exposure has informed his efforts to position Bhojpuri as a respected cultural identity on the international stage.

Currently, he serves as Programming Head at Mahua Network. Over the years, he has also been associated with leading media platforms such as Zee TV, News18, Times Now, NDTV, and the popular music show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa as a writer and project head.