Narendra Modi’s swearing-in brings Kangana Ranaut and Karan Johar in the same frame

The oath-taking ceremony of India’s prime minister Narendra Modi saw a long list of film personalities in attendance. It was the second time he took oath as the PM of India after a thumping victory in the recently concluded general elections, whose results were out on 23 May. 

Those from the film industry who turned up at the mega event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi included superstar Rajinikanth, filmmakers Karan Johar, Rajkumar Hirani, Aanand L Rai, Madhur Bhandarkar, Abhishek Kapoor, actresses Hema Malini (also a member of parliament), Kangana Ranaut, Kajal Aggarwal, actors Anupam Kher, Shahid Kapoor, Vivek Anand Oberoi, producers Boney Kapoor, Divya Khosla Kumar, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Mahaveer Jain, and actor-show host Kapil Sharma.

The most amusing part was to see Johar and Kangana in the same picture. The two had a fallout in 2017 when Kangana accused the filmmaker of supporting nepotism in the industry. This started a series of verbal attacks from both the parties. But the swearing in of Modi ensured that the two agreed on sharing the same space. The picture was shared by well-known photographer Manav Manglani. 

Before leaving for Delhi for the event, Kangana told reporters, “The PM has set some goals and we all heard that in his speech. All our best wishes with him, that he is able to do what is best for the country and be able to fulfil all his goals. He is an extremely loved prime minister. He is here because of his hard work, we all can only appreciate him.” 

Akshay Kumar had taken an informal television interview of Modi while the elections were in full swing. So, it was surprising to not find him in attendance. 

Randeep Hooda was also invited but he couldn’t be a part due to unforseen circumstances. He wrote on Twitter, “Honoured to be invited to this momentous occasion in our country’s history bt due to unforeseen circumstances won’t be able to make it..best wishes & undying support to make a better brighter India for the coming generations of proud Indians.” 

Oberoi recently played the character of Modi in the film PM Narendra Modi (2019). He was one of the few film personalities to attend Modi’s oath-taking ceremony in 2014. Before heading for the event, Oberoi wrote on Twitter, “I'm watching Narendra Modi bhai taking his oath for the 3rd time on his journey from CM Gujarat to PM of Bharat once again! Feeling like a small part of an incredible history.”

Bhandarkar, a vocal Modi supporter, expressed his happiness for attending the oath taking ceremony. “Feeling honoured to be attending the historic Oath Ceremony of Shri Narendra Modi ji for the Modi Sarkar 2. Wishing the very best to all the newly appointed ministers,” he wrote on Twitter.