At the inaugural National Creators Awards on Friday, singer Maithili Thakur, who is from Bihar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted moment. The prime minister asked the 23-year-old singer to perform a few verses for the crowd as he gave her the “Cultural Ambassador of the Year” award.

The ensuing jest captured on camera has gone viral.

“How about giving it a little sing? The PM jokingly said, “People are sick of hearing from me all the time.

When he asked, Ms. Thakur replied, “Of course, sir.”

“Oh so you agree that people are tired of listening to me?” the PM joked in response.

Ms. Thakur, who is taken aback, explains that she had consented to sing for the audience. It appears that the prime minister is amused by her reply.

Following her win, the singer shared a video with Prime Minister Modi. “Today I had a meeting with you. In the video, she exclaims, “I am very happy.”

PM Modi has previously complimented the young singer’s musical ability and shared a well-known Ram bhajan performed by her in advance of the historic Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya in January.

PM Modi claimed that Ms. Thakur’s “melodious tunes” serve as a reminder of Lord Ram’s life in a post on X. “My family members across the nation are being reminded of every incident pertaining to the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram on the occasion of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya. A poignant instance of this kind involves Shabari. Take a listen to Maithili Thakur ji.

The National Creators Awards honored digital creators in 20 categories, recognizing their contributions to, among other things, social change, environmental sustainability, education, and gaming, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Ten lakh votes were cast for digital creators across all categories, and more than 1.5 lakh nominations were received. Popular creators like Kabita Singh (Kabita’s Kitchen), Ankit Baiyanpuria, Kamiya Jani, and Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) were among the 23 winners who received awards on Friday.