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Mahagathbandhan deputy CM face Sahani adopted the nickname ‘Son of Mallah’—a title that became the foundation of his political identity
Born into a Nishad (Mallah or fisherman) family in 1981 in Supaul Bazar, Darbhanga, Sahani’s early life was marked by the economic hardship typical of an extremely backward class community. File pic/PTI
Mukesh Sahani, the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief who has now been formally named the Mahagathbandhan’s deputy chief minister face for Bihar, embodies the classic rags-to-riches narrative—a journey that transitioned him from the humble villages of Mithila to the opulent sets of Bollywood before culminating in the tumultuous arena of state politics. Born into a Nishad (Mallah or fisherman) family in 1981 in Supaul Bazar, Darbhanga, Sahani’s early life was marked by the economic hardship typical of an extremely backward class community. Growing up, he witnessed the social and economic marginalisation of his people, a stark reality that would ultimately fuel his political ambitions.
Driven by a desperate need to find a better livelihood, a young Mukesh Sahani decided to abandon his studies and flee Bihar in 1999 at the age of nineteen. He landed in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, a city that was both daunting and promising. His initial days were a struggle, forcing him to take up work as a salesman in a cosmetics store just to make ends meet. It was a far cry from the life he dreamed of, but his determination to succeed in the vast, competitive city eventually led him to the gates of the Hindi film industry.
Sahani’s entry into Bollywood marked the beginning of his successful entrepreneurial career. He swiftly transitioned from a simple job to becoming a set designer, a highly specialised and creative field that put him at the heart of major film productions. Recognising the potential, he established his own company, Mukesh Cineworld Private Limited. His talent and knack for designing elaborate, realistic sets quickly earned him recognition.
His big break came with the 2002 Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster, Devdas, where he was reportedly involved in crafting the film’s iconic and intricate sets. His resume would eventually grow to include work on other major productions like Salman Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and he also collaborated with major industry figures and designers, even working on events for prominent business families. This phase was crucial for Sahani, not only for the significant wealth and network he amassed but also for the nickname he proudly adopted—the “Son of Mallah”—a title that would follow him back to Bihar and become the foundation of his political identity.
By 2013, the successful Bollywood businessman began pivoting his focus back to the issues plaguing his community in Bihar. Inspired by social justice icons, Sahani’s immense success in Mumbai provided him with the resources and credibility to champion the cause of the Nishads, Kevats, and other river-linked communities. His philanthropic efforts started with founding the Sahani Samaj Kalyan Sanstha in 2010 to encourage education and unity. By 2015, he had launched the Nishad Vikas Sangh, leading massive rallies to demand Scheduled Caste status for the community.
The trajectory from a small-town boy who ran away to be a salesman, to a successful Bollywood set designer, and finally to a powerful politician wielding influence over a crucial vote bank, is a testament to Sahani’s ambition and strategic vision, culminating in his party, VIP, becoming a key player in Bihar’s complex caste politics and his selection as the deputy CM face.
Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He trawls X via …Read More
Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He trawls X via … Read More
October 23, 2025, 17:02 IST
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