During Rahul Gandhi’s most recent Chhatron ki Goonj event, a man came running to hug him and did a mimicry of PM Modi. He is none other than alleged standup comic Pulkit Mani, as reported in OpIndia.
The performance, portions of which were shared by the Congress on social media, triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders criticising Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over the content of the act, particularly its references to Modi’s mother. Congress leaders, meanwhile, have defended the performance as political satire and mimicry.
What Happened at the Indore event?
During the programme, Mani appeared on stage with Rahul Gandhi and performed an impression of Modi, reproducing his mannerisms, speaking style and the phrase “my friend”, which the comedian used repeatedly while portraying the Prime Minister’s interactions with foreign leaders.
At one point, Mani said, “My friend, how are you?” Gandhi responded, “I’m fine, how are you, Modi ji?” Mani then replied, “Great harassment,” and continued the impression.
Gandhi smiled during the exchange and told Mani, “Very nice to meet you,” before asking him to “tell me more.” The performance also referred to Modi’s foreign-policy engagements and his characteristic greetings and hugs with foreign leaders.
The act subsequently referred to an incident involving Modi offering a chair to an elderly woman. While impersonating the Prime Minister, Mani said, “Maa ko kursi do, maa,” and followed it with, “Setting, my friend.”
The routine also made a reference to Galgotias University and the controversy surrounding a Chinese humanoid robot showcased by the university during the India Global AI Summit.
Mani additionally reproduced a coin trick associated with an interaction between Modi and children. Using a physical coin, he placed it on his forehead during the performance, drawing cheers from the audience.
The Congress subsequently shared a clip of the performance on X with the caption “Narendra Modi ki Foreign Policy”. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera also shared the video and referred to the performance as “great harassment.”
My friend!! Great Harassment!! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PqetUPxUWp
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 19, 2026
Who is Pulkit Mani?
Pulkit Mani is a stand-up comedian and digital creator who is active on Instagram under the handle @hunnywhoisfunny. Reports identify him as a comedian known particularly for political satire and mimicry.
According to media reports, Mani has been active in the entertainment space since 2021 and previously worked as a French-language teacher and translator. His first stand-up special, ‘Raw Honey’, was released on YouTube. His Instagram account has attracted more than six lakh followers, according to recent reports.
His political comedy has included impressions of Modi. In March 2026, for instance, Mani posted a reel impersonating Modi’s mannerisms while greeting foreign leaders, including his use of “my friend”, hugs and exaggerated gestures. The video subsequently became widely circulated online.
The September 19 performance in Indore, however, brought that style of political mimicry directly onto a political stage, with Rahul Gandhi participating in the exchange.
Earlier Controversial Comedy Targeting Hindu Gods And Pujaris
The backlash following the Indore performance also brought attention to Mani’s older videos, including routines involving Hindu gods, devotees, temples and pujaris.
In one viral video, Mani says, “Bhagwan, agar main tujhse kuch magu… toh main bhakt kaisa?”
He continues, “Aur agar mujhe tujhse kuch mangna hi pade… toh tu bhagwan kaisa?”
The routine then asks, “Bhai, agar mandir se daan peti hata di jaye… toh naraj kaun hoga? Bhagwan ya pujari?”
ये सस्ता कॉमेडियन पुलकित मणि है!
जिस तरह की भाषा ये भगवान और पुजारी जी के लिए कर रहा है क्या ऐसा ही ये किसी अन्य धर्म, मजहब, मौलवी पादरी के लिए भी कर सकता है?
ऐसे सस्ते छपरी कॉमेडियन के साथ मंच शायरी करने की राहुल गांधी की भला क्या मजबूरी रही होगी? https://t.co/Tm5fYsDQOA pic.twitter.com/Avx4n1uTVU
— Shubham Shukla (@Shubhamshuklamp) September 20, 2026
This is an example of his comedy targeting Hindu religious beliefs and institutions.
Pornography-Focused Comedy
Mani has also made pornography a subject of his stand-up routines.
In another viral clip, he discusses different categories of pornography, beginning with the statement, “there is something called hardcore porn.”
He then refers to “soft core” and mentions Ullu and Alt Balaji before saying, “But making porn is just not our cup of tea, brother.”
He then turns to Indian pornography, joking, “Brother, Indian porn is just unwatchable.”
He follows this by saying that everyone in it looks like him.
He then adds, “Now, if you tell me to watch the women, I am talking about them too.”
Mani continues, “If I actually wanted to watch Indian porn, why wouldn’t I just stand here naked myself?”
Immediately afterwards, he puts on a golden mask and begins making derogatory and sexually suggestive gestures on stage.
@MahuaMoitra No wonder TMC wipped out from West Bangal.
Now see this video of Pulkit mani, do you support it. Just tell us?? https://t.co/tnqbZGtRx1 pic.twitter.com/elmYkJO5PI
— Omkar Rathore (@omiverseglobal) September 20, 2026
The clip has now resurfaced amid the controversy over his appearance alongside Rahul Gandhi.
Modi And Giorgia Meloni References
Another video shared from Mani’s Instagram account features sexually suggestive remarks involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In a separate video, he again targeted Meloni by making inappropriate references connecting her with Modi.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
These older clips have also been circulated following the Indore controversy, drawing renewed attention to the nature of Mani’s political comedy and his use of public figures as subjects for provocative jokes.
A Career Built Around Provocative Comedy
Mani’s social media trajectory has repeatedly featured political personalities, religion, pornography and sexually suggestive humour.
His content has included mockery of Hindu religious figures, crude jokes about pornography, sexualised references involving political leaders and exaggerated impressions of politicians.
The Indore performance represented another extension of that format, this time with Rahul Gandhi standing beside him as he impersonated Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The appearance therefore triggered criticism not only of Mani but also of the Congress leader who shared the stage with him.
‘Ab Underground Hone Ka Samay Aa Gaya Hai’
Following the backlash over the Indore event, Mani posted a cryptic message on his Instagram story.
It read, “Ab underground hone ka samay aa gaya hai.”
Soon afterwards, he announced that his upcoming show in Noida had been cancelled.
In his initial statement, Mani cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the cancellation and apologised to his audience.
He wrote, “I regret to inform you that my Noida show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and support.”
He thanked his followers for their understanding and continued support.
Mani later announced the cancellation of his scheduled shows in Lucknow and Kanpur as well, citing threats and security concerns.
The cancellations came amid the continuing political backlash over his Modi mimicry at the Indore programme.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
