Comedian Pulkit Mani says UP shows cancelled after mimicry of PM Modi sparks row
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New Delhi: Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani said on Sunday that his scheduled shows in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur have been called off following a political controversy over his mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh.
Mani announced the cancellations on Instagram, citing “unforeseen circumstances” for the Noida show and later alleging “repeated threats from goon activists” as the reason for calling off the Lucknow and Kanpur performances. “I regret to inform you that my Noida show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and support,” he said in one post. In a subsequent statement, he added: “Due to repeated threats from goon activists my Lucknow and Kanpur shows are cancelled.”
The row erupted after a video from Saturday’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore, shared by the Congress on X (formerly Twitter), showed Mani performing a short skit with Gandhi in which he impersonated the Prime Minister. In the clip, Mani walks on stage laughing, hugs Gandhi and says, “My friend. How are you?” Gandhi replies, “I’m fine; how are you, Modi ji?” before adding, “Very nice to meet you,” and asking Mani to “tell me more”. Mani then says, “Maa ko kursi do, maa (Give Mother a chair, Mother)”, gesturing towards the audience.
BJP leaders sharply criticised the Congress over the act. Union minister Piyush Goyal, in a post on X, referred to Gandhi as an “asanskari naraz fufa (uncultured disgruntled uncle)” and said: “The irony writes itself. The need to come on stage every now and then just to drag Prime Minister Modi ji’s name into cheap political theatre never fails to amaze me. Look in the mirror, Mr Rahul Gandhi.”
Union minister Kiren Rijiju also weighed in, saying he had not imagined that a party which ruled for nearly six decades “would turn into such a circus who are busy entertaining their own shrunk supporters”. “Congress party has become a party of comedians and Jokers! They are out forever.... RIP,” he added.
The controversy has quickly turned into a flashpoint between the ruling party and the opposition, even as Mani’s upcoming shows in Uttar Pradesh remain off the calendar.