Vivek Oberoi has found himself at the heart of political controversies as his biopic on Prime Minister Modi is set to hit the screens on the 5th of April. He has been doing the rounds of news studios defending his movie as accusations of ‘backdoor funding’ and ‘political propaganda’ are being levelled against him and his movie.
Recently, he visited the NDTV studio to answer questions that have been raised. In an interview to Vishnu Som, he said that it took “all of 30 seconds” for him to say yes to the project.
At a certain point, Som asked him whether he would have played the role of Rahul Gandhi. Vivek replied promptly, “If he had done something worth playing the role of, then I would have. I will have to shoot most of the film in Thailand,” he added, taking a sly dig at Rahul Gandhi’s frequent foreign trips. The audience burst into a round of laughter following Vivek’s response.
Vivek was firm in his defense of the timing of the release. Here’s an excerpt of the conversation that transpired:
Som: Why didn't you release the movie in Diwali? Vivek: It wasn't ready. Som: The next one. Vivek: Well, it's ready now. Som: It would be ready in Diwali as well. Vivek: Why should I wait? (smiling) (round of applause and laughter from the audience)
Vivek has consistently maintained throughout the series of interviews that he ‘believes in Narendra Modi’ and that Prime Minister Modi is ‘the need of the hour’. He also maintains that the story of Modi’s rise from being a Chaiwaala as a kid to becoming a World Leader who sees eye to eye with every other global leader is fascinating and inspiring.
The actor has asserted repeatedly that although he has campaigned for the BJP in the past, he is not a member of the party. He admitted to Som that he is a fan of the Prime Minister. The NDTV journalist also inquired if Narendra Modi had reviewed the script of the movie or at least read it. “How does a man who runs the nation have time to these things?” said Vivek. Som quipped, “He works for 18 hours a day, he could have read a script.” “Yes, he works. That’s the keyword. He doesn’t have time for a script,” said Vivek.
The actor has also asked the Opposition whether they are scared of his movie or the Chowkidar’s danda.