Ramu Rathod is a popular folk singer from Telangana, India. He was born in a small village called Gopalpur Tanda in Mahabubnagar district. Ramu comes from the Banjara–Lambadi tribal community, known for its rich traditions in music and dance. From a young age, he loved performing at school events and village functions, often dancing and singing to cassette songs.
His big moment came when his song “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu” went viral on YouTube, gaining over 500 million views. The song’s success made him a household name and showed how folk music could reach people across the world. Ramu’s style mixes traditional rhythms with modern beats, making his songs fun, emotional, and easy to connect with.
Early Life and Background
Ramu was born in Gopalpur Tanda, a small village in Bhoothpur Mandal, located in the Mahabubnagar district of Telangana. This region is known for its rich tribal culture, especially the traditions of the Banjara–Lambadi community. Ramu grew up surrounded by folk songs, dance, and colorful festivals. These weren’t just entertainment—they were part of daily life. From weddings to harvest celebrations, music played a central role, and young Ramu absorbed it all.
As the youngest of five siblings, Ramu was often the center of attention at home. His parents, Kishan Nayak and Kamalabai, noticed his love for music early on. He would dance to cassette songs in front of his family and neighbors, mimicking the moves and tunes he heard. His father, who also had a deep appreciation for music, encouraged him by bringing home new tapes and letting him perform during local events. These small moments planted the seeds for what would later become a full-blown career.
Parents and Siblings
Ramu Rathod’s family played a big role in his journey. His father, Kishan Nayak, was a farmer with a love for music. Though he didn’t perform professionally, he had a keen ear for rhythm and lyrics. He would often bring home cassette tapes of folk songs and encourage Ramu to sing along. His mother, Kamalabai, was the heart of the household—supportive, warm, and proud of her son’s talent. She made sure Ramu had the freedom to explore his passion, even when resources were tight.
Ramu is the youngest of five children, and his siblings were his first audience. They cheered him on during school performances and helped him rehearse songs. Growing up in a joint family meant that music was always around. Whether it was a festival or a simple evening gathering, someone was always singing or playing an instrument. This environment helped Ramu build confidence and sharpen his skills.
Ramu Rathod Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ramu Rathod |
| Profession | Folk Singer, Songwriter |
| Known For | “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu” (516+ million views) |
| Birthplace | Gopalpur Tanda, Bhoothpur Mandal, Mahabubnagar District, Telangana, India |
| Community | Banjara–Lambadi Tribal |
| Age (Estimated) | Around 28–30 years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Languages Known | Telugu, Hindi |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Education | Vivekananda School (Bhoothpur), Degree from Mahabubnagar |
| Father’s Name | Kishan Nayak |
| Mother’s Name | Kamalabai |
| Siblings | Youngest of five |
| Breakthrough Song | “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu” |
| Other Popular Songs | “Sommasilli Pothunnave O Chinni Ramulamma”, “Yedikelli Vachinaave”, etc. |
| Reality Show | Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 (2025) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ₹1.5 – ₹2 Crore |
| Awards | GAMA Best Folk Song of the Year |
| @ramurathod_official/ |
Education Journey
Rathod’s early education took place in his hometown of Bhoothpur Mandal, Telangana. He attended Vivekananda School, a modest institution that served many children from tribal and rural backgrounds. Though the school lacked advanced facilities, it was a place where Ramu’s talent began to shine. Teachers quickly noticed his enthusiasm for music and dance.
After finishing school, Ramu moved to Mahabubnagar for his intermediate and degree education. This was a big step. Mahabubnagar is a larger town with more exposure to different cultures and ideas. Here, Ramu met people from various backgrounds, which helped him expand his musical vision. He started exploring new styles, blending traditional Lambadi rhythms with modern beats.
Musical Career Beginnings
Before becoming a viral sensation, Ramu spent years performing at local events, weddings, and community gatherings. These early performances were often unpaid, but they gave him valuable experience. He learned how to read a crowd, how to hold attention, and how to deliver emotion through his voice. His style was raw, energetic, and deeply connected to his tribal roots.
Ramu didn’t have access to professional studios or mentors. Instead, he relied on trial and error. He would record songs using basic equipment, often with the help of friends and family. These recordings were shared on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, slowly building a local fan base. People began to recognize his voice and style, and word spread across villages and towns.
Breakthrough Moment: “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu”
The turning point in Rathod’s career came with the release of “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu”. This song wasn’t backed by a big label or a marketing campaign. It was produced on a modest budget of ₹5 lakh, with help from local artists and technicians. Ramu wrote the lyrics, and the music was composed by Kalyan Keys. The choreography was handled by Shekhar Virus, and the video featured vibrant dance steps by Ramu and fellow performer Likhita.
The song tells a playful story with catchy lyrics and energetic beats. It blends traditional Lambadi rhythms with modern music styles, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The visuals are colorful, showcasing village life, traditional attire, and joyful celebrations. It’s a celebration of culture, love, and rhythm.
Other Popular Songs
After the massive success of “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu,” Ramu followed up with another hit—“Sommasilli Pothunnave O Chinni Ramulamma.” This song carried the same energy and storytelling style that fans had come to love. It was playful, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in the Lambadi folk tradition. The lyrics painted a picture of village romance, teasing conversations, and cultural pride.
Ramu didn’t stop there. He continued to release songs that blended tradition with modern flair. “Ringu Ringula Juttudhana” was another crowd-pleaser. It focused on playful banter and village fashion, with lyrics that highlighted hairstyles, accessories, and youthful charm. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus made it perfect for dance reels and social media clips. One of Ramu’s most recent hits is “Pacha Bottu Bavaayo.”
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Rise on YouTube
Ramu Rathod’s journey into digital fame began with YouTube, where he uploaded his first few songs with minimal resources. Over time, his channel grew into a major platform for Telugu folk music, attracting millions of subscribers and viewers. His breakout hit, “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu,” became one of the most-watched independent folk songs in India, crossing 516 million views.
YouTube gave Ramu a stage that no village event or local performance could match. It allowed him to reach audiences across India and even abroad. His success on the platform proved that folk music could thrive online, and that artists from rural backgrounds could compete with mainstream performers.
Reality TV Fame: Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9
In September 2025, Ramu made headlines again—this time for entering the Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 house. The show, hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni, premiered on Star Maa and Jio Hotstar with a new twist: a double house theme, where celebrities and commoners compete in separate living spaces.
Ramu was one of the nine celebrity contestants, joining names like Sanjjanaa Galrani, Suman Setty, and Thanuja Puttaswamy. He entered the second house, which had fewer amenities, while the commoners occupied the main house. This setup was designed to test adaptability and bring fresh dynamics to the show.
Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of his viral hit “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu,” Ramu received the GAMA Best Folk Song of the Year award. This honor marked a major milestone in his career, validating his work and celebrating his contribution to Telugu folk music.
Following his award win and Bigg Boss entry, Ramu was featured in several news articles, TV interviews, and online profiles. Journalists praised his authenticity, his cultural impact, and his role in promoting tribal music. He was often described as a “voice of rural Telangana” and a “digital folk icon.”
Net Worth and Earnings
As of September 2025, Rathod’s estimated net worth stands between ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore. This is a remarkable achievement for an independent folk artist who started his journey from a small village in Telangana. His financial growth reflects not just popularity but also smart use of digital platforms and consistent content creation.
The bulk of Ramu’s earnings comes from YouTube monetization, where his viral hits like “Ranu Bombayi Ki Ranu” have generated over ₹1 crore in revenue. With more than 516 million views, the song continues to earn through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and streaming royalties. His other songs also contribute to his income, with millions of views and strong engagement.
Physical Appearance
Ramu stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 70 kg (154 lbs). His build is athletic, shaped by years of dancing and performing. He’s known for his energetic stage presence, which requires stamina and strength.
Ramu has dark brown eyes and black hair, which he usually styles in a natural, unpolished way. His appearance is consistent with his roots—authentic, grounded, and expressive. His eyes often reflect emotion, especially during performances, where he uses facial expressions to enhance storytelling.
Personal Life and Relationships
As of now, Ramu Rathod is unmarried. He has spoken in interviews about focusing on his career and music, and how his journey has kept him busy. While fans are curious about his personal life, Ramu prefers to keep it private. He believes that relationships are important but should not distract from one’s goals.
There have been rumors and speculations, especially after his appearance on Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, where he interacted closely with other contestants. However, Ramu has not confirmed any romantic involvement. He maintains a respectful and friendly demeanor, which has earned him admiration from viewers.
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