The moment interview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi taken by film star Akshay Kumar became viral on April 24, sharp reactions started coming in on all the different social media channels. Of course, there were many who hailed this “non-political interview” as Modiji discussed enthusiastically his fondness for half-sleeve kurtas, mangoes, and memes.
And there were more than just a few who not only mocked this interview but also sharply criticized the current Prime Minister of India questioning his courage for not addressing an official press conference until now.
The coward has no courage to give a press conference. But theatrics aplenty for scripted optics with a Bollywood sympathizer .
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) April 24, 2019
Twitterati Criticize PM For Not Holding Press Conference
In his tenure of five years as the prime minister, Narendra Modi never addressed a single press conference and always have hesitated to give direct interviews to media.
Picking up all such lapses and many others, the Twitterati sharply criticized Modi asking how can the PM think of giving such an interview without any political reference when there are so many burning questions that he is yet to answer.
During his interview, Narendra Modi also discussed his early life, his friendship with Barack Obama and his reactions to the tweets of Akshay’s wife Twinkle Khanna.
Journalists were replaced by actors long ago. Why are we surprised?!#AkshayInterviewsModi
— Neha Dixit (@nehadixit123) April 24, 2019
Journalist Neha Dixit quipped that stars are now taking place of journalists whereas activist Kavita Krishnan said, “PM can only do staged, scripted ‘interviews’ with his own bhakt ‘interviewers’”. It is a mockery of journalism.”
It's actually one actor interviewing another, with the script decided directed & produced by RSS! #AkshayInterviewsModi 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'! https://t.co/QybyM08BKd
— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) April 24, 2019
Has PM Lost His Confidence After the Third Phase Of LS 2019 Poll?
Many opined on Twitter that since Modi has lost confidence he required Akshay Kumar to promote himself after the third phase of Lok Sabha 2019 elections.
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!
— Rifat Jawaid (@RifatJawaid) April 24, 2019
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! #ModiwithAkshay
— nikhil wagle (@waglenikhil) April 24, 2019
Some were of the opinion that the interview was a clever plan to escape the clutches of laws and in a way has disrespected democracy and ECI.
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.
— V (@ivivek_nambiar) April 24, 2019
Film Director Rakesh Sharma also asked EC whether it has given permission for such a non-political interview amidst ongoing Lok Sabha Elections.
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? https://t.co/tLQzscSjgX— Rakesh Sharma (@rakeshfilm) April 24, 2019
Twitterati has also slammed Narendra Modi for making ‘irrelevant’ remarks about his friendship with Barack Obama.
Obama mere acche dost hain, tu keh ke baat karte hain. "Tu aisa kyun karta hai"
Obama : Hello Narendra, How are tu? (2019) #ModiWithAkshay
— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) April 24, 2019
Modi remarked on Twinkle Khanna during the interview, “I read your wife’s tweets and she takes out all her anger on me so I hope your house is peaceful.” One of the Twitter users stated that the remark was nothing short of sexist.
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") https://t.co/LgCmFRtIx1— Pragya Tiwari (@PragyaTiwari) April 24, 2019
So, whether it was a publicity stunt or just an effort on the part of Khiladi Kumar to unravel the personality of Narendra Modi, the interview did get tongues rolling deriving euphoric responses from Twitter users.
