‘Fear is natural’, Hansraj Raghuvanshi on Lawrence gang’s death threat:Bhajan singer on Bhopal visit says his family is worried as suspect traced nearby

Popular devotional singer Hansraj Raghuvanshi, known for his hit bhajan ‘Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari, Karta Nandi Ki Sawari’, performed in Bhopal on Madhya Pradesh’s Foundation Day. Recently, he received a death threat and an extortion demand of Rs 15 lakh in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In an exclusive conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Hansraj spoke about the threat, his faith in Lord Shiva, his music, his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his plans for the future. Threat call and family’s fear Hansraj said he has no enmity with anyone and believes that “the world is full of illusion, anyone can say anything.”He added, “When the call came, fear in the family was natural. I was told the accused is from near Bhopal. But when Mahadev is with us, there is nothing to worry about.” Music is worship, not performance Hansraj describes his singing as a form of worship, not entertainment.“When I sing, nothing runs in my mind. I just feel my God. This is not a performance; it’s devotion. People say I get lost in bhakti, but the truth is, at that moment, I am with Bhole Baba only.” ‘Everything happens by Mahadev’s grace’ Hansraj believes his success is the blessing of Lord Shiva.“It is Mahadev’s grace that he made me capable. Whatever happens, happens because of him. I just sing and compose — the rest is his will,” he said. Talking about his recent bhajan ‘Jai Shri Ram’, he said it is very close to his heart. “Even composing it felt like a blessing. Which song touches people’s hearts is Mahadev’s decision.” Dreadlocks as an identity Smiling, Hansraj said his dreadlocks are part of his spiritual identity.“I had dreadlocks as a child, but my mother cut them. Later in college, they grew again. Now they’ve become my identity. The image of Bhole Baba lives within me — it’s all his blessing.” Message to the youth Hansraj urged young people to listen to devotional music for positive energy.“Not just my bhajans — listen to every artist’s bhajans. They bring positivity and create a divine aura. This is what today’s youth need: positivity and spiritual strength.” Upcoming bhajan and future plans Hansraj revealed that a new bhajan will be released soon in a slightly different style.“No new song of Bhole Baba has come in the last few months. I will release one before the New Year on my YouTube channel,” he said. He prefers to shoot his songs amidst nature. “Mountains, rivers, and waterfalls bring true peace. The budget is limited, but devotion feels real when connected with nature.” Fame comes with responsibility Hansraj said his song ‘Mera Bhola Hai Bhandari’ changed his life.“That song connected me with people. But fame also brings responsibility. Now I work in a way that honours both Mahadev and my country.” Desire to sing Patriotic Songs Hansraj has already sung in Bollywood films such as Oh My God and Sanjay Dutt’s movie featuring a Kaali Maiya bhajan.He said, “I also want to sing patriotic songs, because both devotion and love for the nation are part of my life.” PM Modi shared his bhajan Hansraj’s bhajan ‘Yug Ramraj Ka Aa Gaya’ was shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media during the Ayodhya Ram Lalla consecration ceremony.“Just imagine — the Prime Minister of the country listened to my bhajan and shared it. What greater blessing could there be? It felt like Mahadev gave me another gift,” Hansraj said. Respect for Prime Minister Modi Hansraj said every Indian should respect the country’s leader.“If you live in India, the Prime Minister should be everyone’s choice. Whoever they are, they are our leader. We have chosen them. Modi ji inspires us through his patriotism and actions.” Rs 15 lakh extortion and death threat Hansraj received a death threat and extortion demand from a person claiming links to the Lawrence and Goldy Brar gang.The complaint was filed by his security guard Vijay Kataria in Mohali, Punjab. The accused, identified as Rahul Kumar Nagde, a resident of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly posed as Hansraj’s younger brother and attended many of his programmes in MP.He even went to Hansraj’s wedding and later defrauded people by using his name. He also deceived a woman from Odisha and took her with him. Police have registered an FIR under BNS Sections 296, 351(2), 308(5) and IT Act 67 at the Zirakpur Police Station. Struggles before success Hansraj faced a difficult childhood due to financial problems and had to leave his studies.He tried to find a job in Delhi, but failed and returned home. Later, he worked in a college canteen, where he often sang bhajans. One day, a student suggested he record his songs and upload them on social media. That idea changed his life. Over time, he became a household name in devotional music. Life shaped by faith and simplicity Hansraj believes his journey — from hardship to fame — has been guided by faith in Mahadev.With humility, he says, “I just sing and compose. Whatever happens is by Mahadev’s grace.”