As a public relations as well as vote-catching move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interview with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar was a success. The cleverly devised “non-political” or “apolitical” tête-à-tête was one way to get past the ban on the hagiographical biopic, which just goes to prove that it is easy enough for the resourceful to prove the law is an ass. Even an inane thing said during election time is bound to be political in one way or another, which depends on how the listener perceives it. As a means of touching base with India’s teeming millions, it was a brilliant operation with a willing ally in the actor. Unlike open media conferences, which often tend to become inquisitions as the questioners sharpen their knives in anticipation of a lively showdown, the “stage-managed” interview is a candidate’s dream.
Known to be chary of press conferences and more inclined to media broadcasts, a Prime Minister of five years’ standing made no bones about using a more convenient medium to reach a wider audience. It is moot whether the nation’s chief executive should shy away from being questioned periodically on the vital national issues of the day. Given our history, reticent PMs have been a given for about 15 years. However, at the time when he and his party are at the hustings, Mr Narendra Modi’s choice of medium to tell his personal tale can hardly be questioned. Truth to tell, Mr Modi came through as a warm person willingly opening up on his personal life. References to his early days and a touching admission to humble beginnings — like short-sleeved shirts being handier for one not privileged enough to command a retinue of servants — has seen him score brownie points in the battle of perceptions against career politicians.
The interview’s highlight in the politically sensitive time ahead of the general election is the revelation that a human touch exists in the most fraught relationships. For instance, the generosity of Mamata Banerjee in sending ethnic kurtas and Bengali sweets to the PM, and Ghulam Nabi Azad standing up for the political fraternity signify personal bonding beyond political divisions. Coming at a time when they are calling each other the vilest names in public in a high-stakes, no-holds barred campaign, this hint of a broader understanding among leaders involved in the running of the nation and its states cannot be an unwelcome thing. The point about less sleep and more working hours for a PM was subtly made in recalling the striking up of a friendship with former President Barack Obama. Mr Modi isn’t new to the art of influencing people to vote for him, and he has done so now in an innovative way in a language he is comfortable with.
