Vivek Oberoi is set to portray Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an upcoming biopic and the actor, a self-confessed fan of the leader, calls it a role of a lifetime. The biopic will be directed by Omung Kumar, who has films such as Mary Kom and Sarbjit to his credit.
At the poster launch of the film, Vivek said he hopes to become a better person by the end of the shoot.
"I am extremely fortunate. Today, I am feeling like I felt 16 years ago, during Company days. I am feeling the same kind of excitement and hunger because this is a role of a lifetime for any actor. I truly believe at the end of the journey, I pray I become better actor and a better human being," the actor told reporters.
जय हिन्द. జై హింద్. ஜெய் ஹிந்த். Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏 We humbly ask for your prayers and blessings on this incredible journey. #AkhandBharat #PMNarendraModi pic.twitter.com/t0lQVka7mJ
— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) January 7, 2019
"Narendra Modi is one of the tallest leaders in the world and to bring his personal qualities on screen is an incredible challenge and I want all your blessings that we can complete this incredible journey," he added.
The film's poster was launched in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 27 languages. It features Vivek, dressed in a yellow kurta with tricolour in the backdrop. The tagline reads, "Deshbhakti ki meri shakti hai."
Devendra Fadnavis said it is great that a film on this scale is being made on PM Modi "under whose leadership India is not only touching new heights but the hopes and expectations of every citizen of India are being fulfilled."
"I believe the film will be inspirational. We always say PM Modi's life has been inspirational. He is like a raj-yogi and this film will get that in front of the audience. Vivek, we are very excited. We wish the film releases tomorrow but we know it is going to be a very difficult process and you will have to take it seriously. I have faith and predict that people will be inspired by this film," the CM said.
Actor Suresh Oberoi, Vivek's father, is co-producing the film along with Sandeep Ssingh. The film is yet to go on floors. Vivek was one of the guests from Bollywood who attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony in May 2014.
Soon, it was raining jokes and memes online, with people trolling the makers for bad make-up and botched up CGI.
While some compared it to a case of bad photoshop, others started to weigh in on who would have looked better as the prime minister. Take a look at some of the funniest reactions here.
Vivek Oberoi looks like the wax statue of Narendra Modi at Lonavala wax museum. pic.twitter.com/rr4BveJupc
— Ivan Mehta (@IndianIdle) January 8, 2019
Vivek Oberoi's career gets a new life, thanks to the #PMNarendraModi biopic. Now, Arbaaz Khan is waiting for someone to make Roger Federer's biopic.
— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) January 7, 2019
Wtf 😂😂🤣, he is looking neither Oberoi nor Modi#PMNarendraModi @firkiii pic.twitter.com/n94a4a4D7y
— Rohith. (@therohith_) January 7, 2019
1. 90s' Song
— Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) January 7, 2019
2. Badshah Remix#PMNarendraModi pic.twitter.com/5SNdSJ7hDz
Pic 1: Australian team till 2007.
— bhaavna arora (@BhaavnaArora) January 7, 2019
Pic 2: Australian team after 2007. pic.twitter.com/icqRrNLohc
Pic 1: roger Federer Pic 2: Arbaz Khan #PMNarendraModiBiopic pic.twitter.com/HygxgLLgoC
— Bhosdiwale Chacha (@BhosdiwaleChac1) January 8, 2019
Pic 1:- Expected Salary
— Akash Kakadiya🇮🇳 (@Showman_Sky) January 7, 2019
Pic 2:- Current CTC
Pic 3:- In Hand Salary
#PMNarendraModi #VivekOberoi #ModiOnceMore #ModiGovt #Reservation pic.twitter.com/KdK8548jBv
Beware, guys! #VivekOberoi #NarendraModi pic.twitter.com/4TVyWYHcgh
— East India Comedy (@EastIndiaComedy) January 7, 2019