Who Is Pulkit Mani? Comedian’s Modi Mimicry at Rahul Gandhi Event in Indore Goes Viral

Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani has come into the spotlight after mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore on September 19. Mani imitated Modi’s speaking style, gestures and interactions with foreign leaders while Gandhi was present on stage. Videos of the performance have since circulated widely on social media, prompting a political exchange between the BJP and Congress.

The programme was focused on issues concerning students, including education, government recruitment, employment, paper leaks and other challenges. Mani’s performance, however, became a major talking point after Congress-linked social media accounts shared footage from the event. The BJP subsequently criticised Gandhi and the Congress over portions of the act that it said referred to Modi’s late mother and an elderly woman. Rahul Gandhi Mocks PM Modi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’ With World Leaders (Video).

PM Modi’s Mimicry at Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj Goes Viral

Who Is Pulkit Mani?

Pulkit Mani is a stand-up comedian and digital creator known for political satire, impersonations and commentary on current affairs, TV9 Marathi and Newsdrum reported. He has been performing stand-up professionally since 2021 and publishes clips from his performances on social media platforms. His Instagram account is known as @hunnywhoisfunny.

Mani has previously attracted attention for content imitating Modi. One of his viral reels parodying the Prime Minister’s interactions with foreign dignitaries reportedly crossed 16 million views before access to it was restricted for users in India following a legal request. Rahul Gandhi Takes Swipe at PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’ With Giorgia Meloni, World Leaders (Video).

What Happened At The Indore Event?

At ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, Mani performed an impression of Modi that included his mannerisms, gestures and style of speaking with foreign leaders. The act repeatedly used the phrase “my friend”, referring to Modi’s public interactions with foreign leaders. Mani also referred to the Prime Minister’s foreign tours, his interactions with children and a coin trick associated with one such interaction.

During the performance, there was also an exchange between Gandhi and Mani. At one point, Mani said, “My friend, how are you?” Gandhi responded, “I’m fine, how are you, Modi ji?” The performance also included references to Modi’s mother and an elderly woman. The BJP subsequently objected to those portions of the act, while the broader event continued to focus on student concerns and Gandhi’s political message.

Why Has The Performance Become A Political Issue?

The BJP criticised Gandhi and the Congress after the videos circulated online. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Congress Party has become a Party of Comedians & Jokers!" He added, "They are out forever.... RIP," in a post on X.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also criticised the performance, saying, "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have stooped to an absolute nadir of moral bankruptcy," and, "Weaponising a student interaction to mock and insult the late mother of PM Shri @narendramodi ji reveals a shocking lack of basic human empathy and political culture."

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also criticised the episode, saying, "A mother is not a subject of politics. The insult to a mother cannot be acceptable in any civilized society. Engage in political opposition, but laughing at the indecent remarks made about the late mother of the Prime Minister ji exposes your own political culture," according to Hindustan Times.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan separately criticised Gandhi for sharing the stage during the performance and questioned his response to the remarks.

Pulkit Mani And The Copyright Case

The Indore controversy comes shortly after Mani appeared before the Delhi High Court in a separate dispute concerning copyright strikes against his Instagram account.

On September 9, the Delhi High Court issued summons to the defendants in Mani’s suit and notice on his application for interim relief. The case concerns two Instagram reels that Mani says were his original creative works and which were removed following copyright complaints from unknown individuals.

During the hearing, Meta Platforms Inc. informed the court that it had restored the two reels involved in the dispute. The restoration was acknowledged by Mani’s counsel.

The defendants named in the case include Meta Platforms, Google, WhatsApp, Microsoft, the Union government through the Ministry of Communications and Department of Telecommunications, and several unidentified defendants.

Mani’s suit challenges the copyright strikes and seeks relief over the removal of his content. The court has issued summons and notices, but the underlying allegations in the suit have not been finally adjudicated.

From Viral Parody To Public Debate

Mani’s earlier Modi parody had already brought him significant attention online. His content has focused on recognisable political mannerisms and public interactions, making impersonation a recurring part of his comedy.

His appearance at Gandhi’s Indore programme has now brought that work into a more direct political setting. While the Congress shared footage of the performance, BJP leaders have framed parts of the act as an issue of political conduct and respect for Modi and his family.

The episode therefore sits at the intersection of political satire, social-media virality and an increasingly contentious debate over the boundaries of political expression. Mani’s separate copyright litigation has added another dimension to public interest around his work.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).