Dadasaheb Phalke award-winning veteran superstar Mohanlal has spoken warmly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “true statesman” and a “visionary leader” whose dedication to the country continues to inspire him. The Drishyam actor made the remarks on the GDP@MyGov podcast hosted on the central government’s citizen engagement platform MyGovIndia, where he reflected on his meetings with the Prime Minister over the years.
Mohanlal said he considers himself "extremely fortunate" to have had multiple meetings with the Prime Minister and even been hosted at Modi's official residence in New Delhi. "Every time when I met him, I had experienced the vibe of meeting a true statesman and a firm and visionary leader," he said.
Reflecting on those interactions, the actor added: “Every time when I met him, I had experienced the vibe of meeting a true statesman and a firm and visionary leader. His dedication to our nation is truly inspiring. I have always admired his strength and clarity of vision.”
Mohanlal said he also experienced Modi’s warmth towards artists. “I have personally experienced in the warmth, care and his respect which he shows towards artists and creators,” he said, recounting one visit where he met the Prime Minister to speak about the Vishwashanti Foundation, a charitable trust he founded in the name of his parents. “He was so informal towards me and even told me to approach him for any help at any point of time,” he recalled.
Reflecting on the Prime Minister’s leadership, the actor said he admired the way Modi handles crises and guides the country through challenges. “The way by which he overcome crisis and leads the country to survive against the oddities is something which I feel that every person should learn and adapt,” he said.
When asked about the qualities that stand out in Modi, Mohanlal said it was difficult to reduce them to just a few traits. “First thing I will say, love… when you stand near to him, you can feel the love.” He also described Modi as deeply committed to the nation. “He is a leader. He is not a politician,” Mohanlal said, adding that the Prime Minister seemed to treat the country with the devotion people usually reserve for their mothers.
The actor further suggested that Modi carries a calm, almost spiritual presence. “He is always in a meditative state. He is more of a Yogi,” Mohanlal said, reflecting that the Prime Minister appears to operate without ego. Mohanlal also praised Modi's efforts in promoting yoga globally, noting that he himself participates in Yoga Day celebrations in Kerala every year as a small contribution to that cause.
Notably, this interview comes just a fortnight after a rather different kind of televised appearance for Mohanlal. The actor recently sat down with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for a special programme, produced by the state's Public Relations Department and aired across multiple TV channels and digital platforms.
With Kerala heading towards assembly elections, the timing of that conversation drew immediate political attention. One moment in particular got people talking, when Vijayan enthusiastically applauded Mohanlal's line: "My Kerala, your Kerala, our Kerala."