Munish Sood
Mandi
What began as a high-energy musical evening turned into a deeply emotional moment when devotional singing sensation Hansraj Raghuwanshi paused mid-performance to honour a man who stood by him during his most difficult days.
Performing before a packed audience that included the Governor, former Chief Minister, and several prominent dignitaries, Raghuwanshi suddenly spotted a familiar face in the crowd — professional photographer Rakesh Thakur from Sundernagar, who runs RK Studio.
Without hesitation, the singer called him closer to the stage. What followed left the audience silent and moved.
“There was a time when I worked in a small canteen. Life was extremely difficult and full of struggle,” Raghuwanshi shared candidly. “In those days, when no one knew who I was, Rajoo bhai was the first person who believed in my talent. He helped me create my very first video album. I can never forget that.”
The confession transformed the atmosphere. The cheers faded into attentive silence as thousands listened to the story of a young dreamer who once balanced survival jobs with musical aspirations. His words were not rehearsed, nor part of the show — they came straight from the heart.
Rakesh Thakur, visibly emotional, later described the moment as surreal. “He has reached incredible heights, yet he hasn’t changed. The same simplicity, the same warmth. Even in that massive crowd, he recognised me,” he said.
Thakur revealed that he had initially struggled to enter the venue due to the overwhelming rush. Choosing to stay outside, he began capturing drone shots of the crowd. “When I saw the sea of people from above, I felt proud. This was the same ‘Hanshu’ who once struggled to find opportunities,” he added.
For many in the audience, the episode became the defining highlight of the evening — more powerful than any song performed that night. It was not just a tribute to friendship, but a testimony to gratitude, loyalty, and the importance of acknowledging one’s roots.
In an industry often defined by glamour and distance, Hansraj Raghuwanshi’s spontaneous gesture sent a clear message: true success is not measured only by fame or applause, but by remembering those who stood beside you when the lights were dim and the journey uncertain.
