Indian actors demand millions for speaking in Modi's favour

It’s not uncommon for Bollywood personalities to be speaking in favour of the right-wing regime of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Especially in times of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India when emotions run high, several artists of the neighbouring country have spoken in favour of their government’s provocative policies, calling further action against Pakistan.

But recently, an Indian journalism outlet’s sting operation has uncovered the driving force behind the pro-Modi comments that certain Bollywood personalities pass.

And as it turns out, it’s all about money.

Vivek Oberoi, Mika Singh, Shakti Kapoor, Mahima Chaudhry, Kailash Kher, and several other renowned actors were recorded on camera discussing ‘compensation’ and strategy for praising Prime Minister Modi and his policies in TV programs.

Oberoi, who has also appeared in a biopic of PM Modi, was recorded as saying that seconding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s policies of warmongering ‘wasn’t a problem’ and that he and the social media team – undercover reporters in reality – would jointly chalk out a plan for such a campaign.

Similarly, Bollywood heavyweight Jackie Shroff can be seen praising the proposal, saying that he would be pleased to spread ‘good things’ and also get paid for it.

On the other hand, famed actor Shakti Kapoor can be seen asking for Rs. 900 million as compensation for a pro-Modi campaign, that too in monthly instalments.