Dr. Nitu Kumari Nootan is an Indian folk & semi-classical singer and A graded Radio & Doordarshan artist. She stands as a beacon of Bihar's rich folk music tradition, dedicating nearly three decades to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region. she has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian folk music, particularly in the Bhojpuri genre.​ Her interviews aired on prestigious channels like Lok Sabha TV, All India Radio, and others.

Early Life and Musical Training

Nitu Kumari Nootan was born on February 6, 1975, in Motihari, East Champaran district, Bihar. Dr. Nootan's musical journey began under the guidance of distinguished maestros, including Pandit Markande Mishra of the Banaras Gharana and Pandit Ram Singh of the Kirana Gharana. Her intensive training in Hindustani classical and folk music established a solid foundation for her multifaceted singing career. To enhance her musical expertise, she obtained a Ph.D. in Music, exploring the intricacies of folk cultures. Her affiliation with the esteemed Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar as a protégé substantially enhanced her creative evolution.

Artistic Contributions and Performances

Dr. Nitu Kumari Nootan is an A-grade artist by All India Radio and Doordarshan. Her performances encompass multiple platforms, including the International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi, where she captivated audiences with Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, and Angika folk songs. She also performed at the Rajya Sabha Secretariat Employee's Recreation Club in New Delhi (2023). Her involvement in the International Deep Utsav at Ayodhya underscored her capacity to articulate significant cultural narratives through music, illustrating the divine union of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita through Mithila and Bihar folk songs. 

International Response

Dr. Nootan has captivated audiences both nationally and internationally with her soulful renditions. She performed in Mauritius, Muscat (Oman), Dubai (UAE), and Nepal to promote the folk culture of Bihar.

Positions

• She is the first woman from Bihar appointed as “Rajya Guru” by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for promoting and teaching Bihar's folk songs under the 'Kala Deeksha' series’ with the selected accompanists and andtrainees, along with their monthly remuneration.
• Former Member of the Central Board of Film Certification, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India (2021-2023).
• She is the one who interviewed candidates for the post of Cultural Officer in the Bihar Public Service Commission under the aegis of the Art, Culture & Youth Department, Govt. of Bihar (2024).
• First woman from Bihar to be nominated for the second consecutive term as a member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (New Delhi) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (2015 to 2021).
• Empanelled Artist of ICCR under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
• Empanelled Artist of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Brand Ambassador of Indian Red Cross Society, Champaran, Bihar.

Awards and Decoration

Dr. Nootan's dedication to folk music has earned her numerous accolades as national and international:​

International Award

• Bharat Utsav Samman, Consulate General of India, Dubai (2023)
• Bhojpuri Wing Award, Oman, Muscat (2014)
• Mahendra Mishra Global Award, Dubai, UAE (2018)
• Bharat Utsav Award, Dubai, UAE (2023)

National Awards

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2022) for her significant contributions to Bihar's folk music. ​She received this award from the hon'ble president of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in 2024.
• "Lokvid Samman" by North Central Zone Cultural Center Prayagraj, Ministry of Culture, Government of India (2019)
• "Senior Research Fellowship Award" by the Center for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (2020)
• "Vidhyavasini Devi Bihar Kala Puraskar" in the field of Bhojpuri folk singing by the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar (2013)
• Achievers Award by Bharatiya Janata Party, Bihar Pradesh (2022)
• "National MSME Excellence Award" by Ambassador of Belarus to India Mr. Andrey Rajowski and President of Global India Business Forum Mr. Dr. Jitendra Joshi for special contribution in promoting the folk culture of Bihar (2022)
• "Indian Saga Award" for the promotion and protection of Bihar folk art by notable actor Govinda. 
• "Bhikhari Thakur Kala Samman, by the Sangeet Natak Academy under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (2017)
• "Bihar BJP Achievers Award" by Union Minister Ashwini Choubey for the promotion and preservation of Bhojpuri folk culture of Bihar (2022)
• "Rishika Samman" by IIMC, New Delhi (2021)
• "Kalashri Samman" at Film Festival, Mumbai, (2012)
• "Surashree Samman" at Film Festival, Mumbai, (2015)
• Veer Kunwar Singh Samman by the Ministry of Culture, Government of Bihar (2018)
• Champaran Cultural Festival Award by Champaran Sanskriti Mahotsav Samiti, Motihari, Bihar (2005)

Cultural Advocacy and Leadership

In addition to her performances, Dr. Nootan has been a fervent proponent of the authenticity and depth of Bhojpuri music. She initiated an extensive campaign against the increasing vulgarity in Bhojpuri music in India. She has held leadership positions as a member of the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Central Board of Film Certification, where she has shaped policies to promote and safeguard India's many cultural expressions. Contribution to the establishment of national integrity and unity through artistic concerts and live performances at both national and international levels.

Dr. Nootan is dedicated to cultivating the forthcoming generation of artists. As the inaugural woman from Bihar designated as "Rajya Guru" by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, she has guided several apprentices via the 'Kala Deeksha' series, cultivating a new generation of folk artists. Her projects, including the Bhojpuri Swachhta Abhiyan, integrate cultural preservation with social objectives, fostering cleanliness and harmony via artistic expression.