After Suniel Shetty, R Madhavan's Video Resurfaces Claiming Modi Sleeps Only 3 Hours
A series of remarks by Bollywood actors R. Madhavan and Suniel Shetty praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ignited widespread discussion on social media, once again bringing the relationship between celebrities and political leaders into the spotlight.
The debate intensified after a video clip of Madhavan speaking about the Prime Minister’s leadership style and work ethic resurfaced and went viral across platforms such as X and Instagram.
The clip, originally shared from an interview in September 2025, has been widely circulated by both supporters and critics, generating sharply contrasting reactions.
The viral moment resurfaced just days after Madhavan was conferred the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, adding another layer to the online discourse.
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While many users celebrated his comments as a sincere expression of personal admiration, others questioned whether the timing of the remarks would inevitably invite speculation about celebrity proximity to political power.
Madhavan praises Modi’s work ethic and leadershipIn the interview, Madhavan spoke at length about his interactions with Prime Minister Modi, saying he has known him since his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister and has had several opportunities to meet him over the years.
Recalling one such interaction during the making of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Madhavan narrated an incident that left a lasting impression on him.
According to the actor, he attended an event hosted by the Film Chambers shortly after the release of Uri: The Surgical Strike. At the time, he was dressed in complete prosthetic makeup portraying scientist Nambi Narayanan, including a long beard, and believed it would be nearly impossible for anyone to recognise him.
However, Madhavan claimed that Prime Minister Modi immediately identified him and reportedly remarked:
“Madhavan ji, you look like Nambi Narayan. Has the shooting of the film started?”
The actor described himself as stunned, saying he was surprised that the Prime Minister not only recognised him beneath the elaborate makeup but also remembered the project he was working on despite his demanding schedule.
Madhavan went on to praise Modi’s reputed work ethic, stating that the Prime Minister sleeps only around three hours a day and spends the rest of his time thinking about India’s development. He further described him as approachable and willing to listen to criticism of government policies.
One of the actor’s most widely discussed remarks was his observation that Modi has “no family legacy in politics,” arguing that this allows him to focus entirely on national interests without dynastic considerations.
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Almost simultaneously, another interview featuring veteran actor Suniel Shetty also gained significant traction online.
Speaking in a Times Now interview, Shetty revealed that his 15-month-old granddaughter, Evaarah, the daughter of actress Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul—has developed an affectionate association with Prime Minister Modi after a nanny once pointed out his photograph in a Sai Baba book.
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According to Shetty, the toddler now identifies Modi’s picture every morning, says “Modi ji,” and even offers sweets from the family’s Ganesh idol to the photograph.
Clarifying that neither he nor the child’s parents encouraged the behaviour, Shetty said:
“There is something magical.”
The actor reiterated that while he does not speak from a political perspective, he personally admires Modi’s leadership.
“I have always said I am a huge fan of him. I am not talking about a party; I am talking about a leader,” Shetty said during the interview.
As expected, both interviews triggered intense reactions online.
Supporters praised Madhavan and Shetty for openly expressing their personal views, arguing that public figures should be free to appreciate political leaders without facing criticism. Many users highlighted Madhavan’s detailed personal anecdotes and Shetty’s family story as genuine experiences rather than scripted endorsements.
Others, however, viewed the remarks more critically.
Several social media users questioned whether repeated praise for the Prime Minister by prominent film personalities contributes to a culture of celebrity-driven political messaging.
Some users even asked whether such statements amount to indirect public relations or image-building exercises, particularly when made by high-profile figures with significant public influence.
At the same time, many observers cautioned against assuming political motives without evidence, noting that neither Madhavan nor Shetty announced any political affiliation or campaign support in the interviews. Instead, both actors were recounting personal interactions and expressing individual admiration.
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The discussion also reflects a broader pattern in Indian public life, where statements made by celebrities about political leaders often receive far greater scrutiny than similar comments about other public figures.
