Who is Pulkit Mani? PM Modi imitation alongside Rahul Gandhi is not his debut comic stint!
A war of words has erupted between the BJP and the Congress over Rahul Gandhi’s attendance at a stand-up event as part of the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Indore, where comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Mod
Rahul Gandhi's recent appearance with comedian Pulkit Mani at an Indore event, where Mani imitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Leaders like Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of insulting the Prime Minister and others. Pulkit Mani, known for his impersonations and substantial social media presence, had mimicked Modi's 'my friend' phrase and diplomatic style. Gandhi himself followed up with comments on Modi's foreign policy, questioning its focus on friendships over national protection. This incident highlights the contentious nature of political satire and the BJP's sensitive stance on the portrayal of the Prime Minister.
Rahul Gandhi's recent appearance with comedian Pulkit Mani at an Indore event, where Mani imitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Leaders like Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of insulting the Prime Minister and others. Pulkit Mani, known for his impersonations and substantial social media presence, had mimicked Modi's 'my friend' phrase and diplomatic style. Gandhi himself followed up with comments on Modi's foreign policy, questioning its focus on friendships over national protection. This incident highlights the contentious nature of political satire and the BJP's sensitive stance on the portrayal of the Prime Minister.
Rahul Gandhi's recent appearance with comedian Pulkit Mani at an Indore event, where Mani imitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Leaders like Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of insulting the Prime Minister and others. Pulkit Mani, known for his impersonations and substantial social media presence, had mimicked Modi's 'my friend' phrase and diplomatic style. Gandhi himself followed up with comments on Modi's foreign policy, questioning its focus on friendships over national protection. This incident highlights the contentious nature of political satire and the BJP's sensitive stance on the portrayal of the Prime Minister.
Rahul Gandhi being joined by comedian Pulkit Mani on stage during the "Chhatron ki Gunj" programme in Indore has not been taken lightly by the BJP. The comedian's imitation of the Prime Minister was in poor taste, they alleged.
"The way Rahul Gandhi is doing mimicry, I feel he should quit the party and become a stand-up comedian," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused him of insulting the Prime Minister, women, and the elderly.
What caused the uproar?
Pulkit Mani imitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's famed “my friend” phrase, his diplomatic hugs, and his way of speaking with foreign leaders. Rahul Gandhi played along and later remarked on Modi's foreign policy.
"You're not just visiting a friend's house. The role of the Prime Minister of India isn't just about maintaining friendships. His job is to protect the country," Rahul Gandhi said.
Who is Pulkit Mani?
Pulkit Mani is a stand-up comedian who is known for mimicking public figures. Political satire and commentary on current affairs are among his strong areas, and he has mimicked PM Modi’s mannerisms previously as well. In fact, imitating the BJP stalwart is one of his iconic routines that gained him major social media attention.
His Instagram account @hunnywhoisfunny has about 601,000 followers, and his first half-hour stand-up special, “Raw Hunny”, was released on YouTube in February 2026. However, he has been a stand-up comedian since 2021. Mani made the news earlier when Meta removed two of his reels, including a portion from “Raw Hunny”, following copyright complaints.
Meanwhile, one news report said that before becoming a full-time comic, Pulkit Mani worked as a French teacher at a Noida school and also took up translation work.