It didn’t quote come as a bolt from the blue. Tweets from the actor had signalled that something was coming up. A large viewership in millions was guaranteed even as the ‘non-political’ interview aired on several television channels simultaneously last Wednesday.
The country, known for its diversity, is at the same time marked by sharp differences of opinion. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s informal interview was another event that emphasised a range of views on whether it was appropriate, should it have been ‘media-managed’ like this, etc.
Truth to tell, the talk on his personal life would have made a deep impression on aam aadmi. Here was a PM opening up on his early days, his personal experiences, fellow politicians. But sections of the media which can see Mr Modi doing nothing right may not have picked flaws but kept up a barrage of derisive criticism on various grounds nonetheless.
This was virtually friendly banter as a film star shot soft questions at the Prime Minister, but he was the chosen one for his nationalistic image and his probable political leanings. Which candidate would risk a confrontational media conference when he can pad up his image with a goodie-goodie talk show.
What was forgotten, at least for a while, was the bitterest election campaign in history in which politicos have been throwing names at each other. The image came through of a warm person who told his tale. Twitterati seemed to take badly to the principal character though. But then they are not by definition aam aadmi. Therein lies the tale of a divided India.
Kavita Krishnan @kavita_krishnan
It's actually one actor interviewing another, with the script decided directed & produced by RSS! #Akshay InterviewsModi is a mockery of journalism, and also of the post of Prime Minister, because this PM can only do staged, scripted 'interviews' with his own bhakt 'interviewers'!Totlani Krishan @kktotlani @RahulGandhi & Priyanka who are beating their chests on Modi interview with Akshay must remember that their Pilot PM also gave the interview to Bollywood heroine. Just watch the photograph & keep their mouth shut.
Sucheta Chatterji @Suchetachatter4
Why not? Everyone is giving their best shots to win the elections! Raga is at his Modi bashing best, along with Kejriwalji and Mamatadidi! At least Modiji is not slinging similar mud at them and only giving an interview to a movie star!Pragya Tiwari@PragyaTiwari
I wanted to write a fiery tweet that would perfectly articulate how dismissive and sexist this statement by the PM is but the very thought exhausts me so here, just read it. (“I read your wife's tweets and she takes out all her anger on me so I hope your house is peaceful”)Kanchan Gupta @KanchanGupta
Modi's 2014 Google hangout (it was a novelty; servers crashed) with Ajay Devgn took him to an audience which is not tuned into primetime TV. So did the 2019 interview with Akshay Kumar. Compare similarity of questions. This interview has swept viewership. #AkshayInterviewsModiRifat Jawaid @RifatJawaid
Akshay Kumar brought in to 'interview' Modi is proof Modi has lost the plot after 3 phases of polls. Opposition parties must be alert on EVMs without which there is no hope for a second term for Modi. South ain't compensating for lost grounds in North and West including Gujarat!Vivek@ivivek_nambiar
On a serious note, a leading star like Akshay Kumar agreeing to be a part of this out-and-out PR exercise, calling it a COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL interview to escape the claws of the MCC, shows utter disrespect these two have for the ECI, this democracy and the rules.CHOWKIDAR Rajesh Kumar Singh @Neelnabh
Why are you crying in pain? Both of them are achievers who have worked hard and have risen from scratch and have served people in their respective fields. They are not freeloaders or Commie freebooters, bullshitters and demagogues like Kanhaiya, you, etc.nikhil wagle @waglenikhil
After 3 phases of voting Modi needs actor Akshay Kumar to promote him. He seems to have lost confidence in his 'achievements' of 5 years! #ModiwithAkshayRakesh Sharma @rakeshfilm
Dear EC: This is a promotional interview with candidate Modi, done by a filmstar to maximise PR/Publicity during polls. Direct campaign video splashed across channels.
1. Have you approved it?
2. Are AK fees, Production & 30-min TV slot costs part of personal campaign expenses?Rajinder Raina@rraina1481
Somebody tell the Global Leader @kavita_krishnan ji that this is a chat Not that “stereotypical interview” that she can't think beyond? Somebody tell her that grass is growing around Communism !!Radhika Khera@Radhika_Khera
Dear @BarackObama Sir, Can you converse in Fluent Hindi? Also @narendramodi ji, since when have 'Tu' & 'AAP' been added to the English Vocabulary? Wren & Martin must be turning in their graves!
