Meet the Man Behind ‘Hum Dharti Putra Bihari Hai’: Shambhu Shikhar Opens The Mish Mash Podcast with Laughter, Legacy & Heart
India’s pop culture just got a bold new upgrade — say hello to The Mish Mash Podcast. It’s real, raw, and refreshingly unpredictable. Hosted by the effortlessly charming Manish Mishra, this no-rules, no-holds-barred show is designed for deep dives with India’s most colorful creators, artists, and outliers. And what a debut it is — featuring none other than the powerhouse of poetry and satire, Shambhu Shikhar.
If you’ve heard the iconic lines “Hum Dharti Putra Bihari Hai”, you’ve felt the fire this man brings to the stage. But who is the man behind the viral verses?
In this inaugural episode, Shambhu peels back the layers and gives us a rare glimpse into the journey that turned a small-town boy from Bihar into one of the most recognizable faces in the Kavi Sammelan circuit — and beyond. It’s a story of grit, grace, and good old-fashioned gumption.
From Mockery to Mastery
Growing up, Shambhu often found himself at the receiving end of casual mockery — just for being “Bihari.” But instead of letting the stereotypes define him, he chose to flip the narrative. His roots became his rhythm. His identity, his power. What began with school elocution contests evolved into a powerful poetic voice that today echoes in auditoriums around the world.
He’s now performed in over 38 countries, including the USA, Vietnam, Dubai, Bahrain, and many more — carrying Indian poetry with him like a badge of honor.
His journey? Far from linear.
From the stage of SAB TV’s Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! to becoming a semi-finalist on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Shambhu has seen it all — the highs, the setbacks, and the moments of magic in between.
A Conversation That Hits Home
In the episode, Manish Mishra does what great hosts do best — he listens, he laughs, and he lets the guest lead. The result is a conversation that feels more like a cozy chai session with an old friend rather than a structured interview. Shambhu shares childhood memories, behind-the-scenes stories from his TV days, and the incredible experiences of performing at iconic venues like Delhi’s Red Fort.
But it’s not just the stories — it’s the way he tells them. There’s humor, sure, but also a palpable pride in his journey. A resilience born from being underestimated. A calm, unshakeable confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are.
Poetry That Gives You Goosebumps
Throughout the episode, Shambhu treats listeners to spontaneous recitations of his poetry — and each one lands like a punch to the heart. His words are more than just rhymes — they’re stories, they’re memories, they’re declarations of self-worth and cultural pride.
One such poem that takes center stage is:
“Hum Shramanayak hain Bharat ke,
Aur medha ke avtaari hain.
Hum sau par bhaari ek padey,
Hum dharti putra Bihari hain.
Vedon ke kitne bandh rache,
Humne Gayatri chhand rache.
Sahitya-sarit ki dhaara mein,
Kitne hi kavya prabandh rache.
Hum Dinkar-Renu-Banabhatta,
Vidyapati aur Bhikhari hain.
Hum dharti putra Bihari hain,
Hum dharti putra Bihari hain.”
Lines like these stay with you long after the episode ends — not just for their lyrical quality, but for the emotion behind them.
A Promising Start to Something Special
With this episode, The Mish Mash Podcast firmly announces itself as more than just entertainment. It’s a space for real talk — where creators come to unpack their stories, not just their successes. Where laughter meets legacy. Where identities are not erased, but celebrated.
And Manish Mishra? He’s the perfect guide — someone who knows how to steer a conversation with both heart and humor.
If this first episode is anything to go by, The Mish Mash Podcast isn’t just a podcast. It’s an experience. One that’ll make you smile, maybe tear up a little, and definitely leave you wanting more.
So plug in, press play, and get ready — this mishmash of voices, stories, and spirit is just getting started.
