Comedian Shyam Rangeela, renowned for his impressions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced his candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections last week, specifically choosing to contest against the PM in Varanasi.
Rising to fame for his mimicry performances on television shows like ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, the 29-year-old artist from Rajasthan aims to challenge the PM as an independent candidate.
Hailing from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, Rangeela’s father is a farmer. After completing his schooling, Rangeela pursued studies in animation and editing. His passion for humor led him to pursue comedy as a full-time career in 2015.
Reflecting on his decision to enter politics, Rangeela, a self-proclaimed ‘Modi Bhakt’, stated, “I was a Modi supporter until 2019.” He recounted his experience on ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’ in 2017, where he was eliminated for impersonating Narendra Modi. However, a leaked video of his performance gained traction online, sparking both praise and criticism.
Addressing the controversy, Rangeela expressed, “If the video hadn’t been leaked, it would have been unjust to me as an artist.” He highlighted the importance of artistic freedom and noted his realization of increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in the country.
Rangeela currently produces satirical videos on YouTube, including a series called ‘Dhang ki baat’, a satirical take on Modi’s ‘Mann ki baat’. Despite facing legal challenges, such as a court case over a video mocking rising fuel prices, Rangeela remains committed to using his platform to comment on political issues.
Asserting the seriousness of his electoral bid, Rangeela emphasized his dedication to democratic principles. He stressed the need for free and fair elections, expressing concern over recent incidents of uncontested seats in Surat and Indore. Rangeela’s decision to contest from Varanasi is aimed at drawing attention to the importance of competitive elections in sustaining democracy.
Despite lacking political backing, funds, or prior experience, Rangeela is determined to utilize his communication skills and engage with voters. He views his candidacy not as a mere symbolic gesture, but as a genuine effort to contribute to the political process and uphold democratic values.
