Indian actor Rajesh Kumar, best known for his iconic role as Rosesh Sarabhai in the hit sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, has ignited a digital firestorm after posting a satirical video impersonating Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The short video, uploaded on Kumar’s official Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, shows the actor mimicking Bilawal’s signature accent and speaking style. Performed in Rosesh’s famous poetic tone, the video appears to parody one of Bilawal’s recent speeches, mixing political satire with Kumar’s trademark humor.
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 2 million views within 24 hours. While many Indian viewers praised the comic take as light-hearted and clever, reactions from Pakistan were mixed. Several Pakistani users criticized the act as “disrespectful” and “mocking of a national leader,” while others found it humorous and creatively executed.
This isn’t the first time Rajesh Kumar has dabbled in political satire, but the cross-border nature of this impersonation has amplified the response. Political commentators in both countries have noted the growing trend of entertainment and politics blending, especially on social media.
As of now, neither Bilawal Bhutto nor the PPP has officially responded to the video. Meanwhile, Rajesh Kumar issued a brief statement on Sunday, clarifying that his intention was “purely satirical and not meant to offend anyone.”
With diplomatic sensitivities always present between India and Pakistan, even light-hearted content can provoke strong reactions. This latest viral moment reflects both the power and pitfalls of political comedy in the digital age.
