Ramu Rathod is a contemporary Indian folk singer and performer from Telangana who brought traditional Banjara-Lambadi sounds into modern attention.
With energetic stage presence, rustic vocals and a string of viral folk singles, Ramu has become one of the prominent grassroots musicians from rural Telangana in recent years. His music celebrates village life, love, loss and local traditions, while also finding huge audiences online.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Ramu Rathod
- Born: Not publicly known (likely 1990s)
- Birthplace: Gopalpur, Mahbubnagar District, Telangana
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Folk Singer, Performer, Entertainer
- Religion: Hinduism
- Relationship: Single (not publicly confirmed)
- Net Worth: Estimated around ₹30–50 lakh (as of 2025, from performances, YouTube revenue, and appearances)
Early life and background
Ramu Rathod was born and raised in the Gopalpur area of Mahbubnagar district, Telangana, in a Banjara (Lambadi) tribal family. Growing up in a community where music and dance are integral to festivals and daily life, he developed an early love of folk songs and performance. Local cultural programs and village celebrations were his first stages; those grassroots experiences shaped his vocal style and stagecraft.
Musical beginnings
Like many folk artists, Ramu’s path to wider visibility started locally — with stage shows, temple festivals and small events across the region. He recorded and released traditional-style songs that mixed Lambadi rhythms and Telugu lyrics, collaborating at times with regional singers and video producers to create visually authentic, low-budget music videos that resonated with rural and urban audiences alike. Platforms such as YouTube, music streaming services and social media amplified those songs far beyond the village circuit.
Breakthrough: “Ranu Bombai Ki Ranu” and viral fame
Ramu’s major breakthrough came with the viral hit “Ranu Bombai Ki Ranu” — a folk track that gained massive views online and introduced his voice and persona to a national and international audience. The song’s raw emotion, memorable hook and candid visuals helped it spread rapidly on social platforms. Reports mention the track amassed hundreds of millions of views, and it has even been referenced in mainstream media coverage of his rise. This viral momentum turned Ramu from a regional folk performer into a widely recognized name.
Style and influences
Ramu Rathod’s music is rooted in Telangana’s Banjara-Lambadi tradition: bright rhythms, call-and-response phrases, and deeply idiomatic Telugu lyrics. His vocal delivery often emphasizes rustic timbre — a quality that lends authenticity and emotional immediacy to his recordings. While his songs are firmly folk, he has not shied away from modern production touches when they help the songs reach larger audiences. Collaborations and duet recordings have also expanded his stylistic range.
Career highlights and notable songs
Across streaming platforms and video channels, Ramu has released multiple singles that generated attention. Besides Ranu Bombai Ki Ranu, tracks frequently mentioned in profiles include Sommasilli Pothunnave O Chinni Ramulamma, Ringu Ringula Juttudhana, and Yedho Maya Chesave — songs that show both the range of his folk repertoire and his ability to craft viral moments. He has tracks listed on Apple Music, Amazon Music and other services, which helped move his music from regional circuits to national playlists.
Media appearances and mainstream exposure
Ramu’s viral success opened doors to broader media exposure. Coverage in national outlets and entertainment pages increased public awareness, and his visibility rose further when he entered mainstream television reality space as a celebrity contestant on Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 — a move that cemented his profile among TV audiences and added a new chapter to his public life. Such appearances help folk artists translate online virality into cross-platform recognition.
Impact on folk music and cultural significance
Ramu Rathod’s rise is a clear example of how digital platforms can rejuvenate regional folk traditions. By packaging village narratives and Lambadi aesthetics in short, shareable formats, Ramu helped introduce younger, urban listeners to folk idioms they may not have encountered otherwise. His story underscores a broader movement: local artists using low-cost production plus social media to preserve and popularize cultural forms that risk being sidelined.
Challenges and criticisms
As with most viral folk acts, Ramu’s ascent has prompted questions about authenticity, commercialization, and the economics of virality. Some critics worry that sudden fame can lead to oversimplification of tradition, or that compensation structures on digital platforms inadequately reward creators from marginalized communities. Ramu’s career illustrates both the opportunities and the tensions inherent in bringing traditional art into the modern media economy.
What’s next for Ramu Rathod?
Following his viral hits and television exposure, Ramu is likely to continue releasing singles, performing live shows and collaborating with other regional artists. He may also expand into more formal music projects, festival appearances, or multimedia ventures. Because folk artists’ paths can shift fast with a single new song or TV appearance, keeping an eye on his official channels is the best way to track upcoming releases and performances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Ramu Rathod from?
Ramu Rathod hails from Gopalpur in Mahbubnagar district, Telangana, and belongs to a Banjara-Lambadi tribal background.
What song made Ramu Rathod famous?
“Ranu Bombai Ki Ranu” is widely credited as Ramu’s breakthrough viral hit.
Is Ramu Rathod on any streaming services?
Yes — his music appears on platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music and others.
Has Ramu Rathod appeared on TV?
He participated as a celebrity contestant on Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, which increased his mainstream visibility.
What style of music does he perform?
He performs Telangana folk music rooted in Banjara-Lambadi tradition — energetic, narrative folk songs with rustic vocals and traditional rhythms.
Conclusion
Ramu Rathod’s journey from village performances to viral folk stardom highlights how traditional music can find new life in the digital era. Anchored in Banjara-Lambadi roots yet shaped by social platforms, Ramu’s music bridges generations and geographies. Whether you discovered him through a viral video, a streaming playlist, or reality TV, his story is a reminder that authentic regional voices still resonate — sometimes louder than anyone expects. Keep following his official pages and streaming profiles for the latest songs, shows and appearances.
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