Has their closeness to the current Modi government or the Prime Minister himself on a personal note or the PMO or even the BJP paid off or is it just a coincidence? Here’s the connection of the Padma award winners of 2016 to Narendra Modi in some way or the other…
Anupam Kher: Awarded Padma Bhushan
Anupam Kher’s wife Kirron Kher is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member and is also a member of Lok Sabha (Lower House) from Chandigarh under the party’s umbrella.
When the entire country was reeling under the debate of intolerance, it was Anupam Kher who was holding the front for the party and the Modi government. Kher has also supported the Prime Minister and BJP at various occasions in the past after attending Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony as the PM.
Priyanka Chopra: Honoured With Padma Shri
Priyanka Chopra’s name is rumoured to be in the league for the next brand ambassador for the Incredible India campaign. While she already seems to have won hearts with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), what better than to have a Padma recipient promoting the country? It’s a win-win for both.
Ajay Devgn: Padma Shri Winner
Ajay Devgn too has a close relationship with the saffron party. The popular actor has been the BJP’s face for rallies in the recently concluded Bihar elections. Ajay addressed many rallies in the state in October 2015.
Ajay’s many films have had Bihar (‘Gangaajal’, 2003), Uttar Pradesh (UP) or many north Indian places as their backdrop and the elections are due in the latter state. The party can perhaps cash-in on this opportunity.
From being photographed with the PM to hosting a Google Tent event and even attending poll rallies, this self-confessed fan of Narendra Modi has done it all. Was it payback time now?
Rajnikanth: Padma Bhushan Awardee
Rajnikanth and PM Modi share a connection which dates back to 2014. During the Tamil New Year, a PM candidate at that time, Modi was dressed in a lungi and he hugged and greeted Rajnikanth. The duo exchanged pleasantries and Rajnikanth wished the future PM of India the best along with lending his support on the dais. Will the south superstar join politics after this? Only time will tell.
Udit Narayan: Received Padma Bhushan
Once a celebrated singer, Udit Narayan just cannot stop singing paeans of the saffron party, literally. A lot of people may be unaware but Udit Narayan sang the song ‘Modi Aane Wala Hai’ from the BJP’s 2014 election strategy ‘Main Kamal Khilane Aaya Hun’. While Udit Narayan is indeed a great singer, there could be others who deserve the honour more at this time.
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