Prakash Raj Wiki, Height, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Prakash Raj is a famend Indian actor, movie director, politician, producer, and tv presenter. He obtained the distinguished Nationwide Movie Award 5 instances i.e. in 1997, 1998, 2002, 2007, and 2010. He has labored in movies of various languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.

Wiki/Biography

Prakash Raj aka Prakash Rai was born on Friday, 26 March 1965 (age 57 years; as of 2022) in Bangalore, Mysore State, India (present-day Karnataka). His zodiac signal is Aries. He did his education at St Joseph’s Boys’ Excessive Faculty, Bengaluru, Karnataka. He did a PUC (Pre-College Course) from St. Joseph’s School of Commerce, Bengaluru, Karnataka, from 1983 to 1985. He then enrolled himself in the identical faculty to pursue BCom, however he left the diploma in between (1985-1987) after a feud together with his instructor.

Bodily Look

Top (approx.): 5′ 9″

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Brown

Household

He was born to a Hindu father and a Roman Catholic mom.

Dad and mom & Siblings

His father’s title is Manjunath Rai, and his mom, Swarnalatha Raj, labored as a nurse. He has two siblings out of which his brother Prasad Raj works as an actor.

Spouse & Youngsters

In 1994, Prakash Raj acquired married to the Tamil actress Lalitha Kumari. The couple has two daughters named Meghna and Pooja. Prakash and Lalitha’s third baby was a son named Sidhu, who handed away in 2004. As soon as, Sidhu fell from a desk whereas flying a kite, and he had main head accidents. He was operated on by the docs, however he began getting matches and couldn’t survive. Inside 4 years of Sidhu’s demise, Prakash and Lalitha acquired divorced in 2009. In an interview, when Prakash was requested in regards to the divorce, he mentioned,

I stay life the best way I’m and I didn’t wish to lie so I sat my daughters down and defined to them why I needed to divorce regardless that Lata didn’t wish to let me go. My daughters are each with me and her. My workplace nonetheless runs her dwelling and whereas I’ve divorced her, my mom, daughters and mates haven’t.”

Prakash then dated the Indian dance choreographer Pony Verma aka Rashmi Verma, who’s 12 years youthful to him. On 24 August 2010, the couple acquired married. Throughout an interview, he shared how he met Pony Verma, he mentioned,

I met Pony who was choreographing for certainly one of my movies. I spoke to my mom and my daughters and mentioned, that is what I wish to do, however I needed Pony to spend time with my daughters. I knew it was her first marriage, although I got here with baggage. She additionally met Lata and my daughters, who mentioned, ‘Cool dad, please go forward’. Then I went to fulfill her father and advised them that I used to be divorced. They had been shocked initially, however then blessed us. I used to be going to shoot in Australia for 15 days. She took her father and I took my mom to spend time collectively, put up which we determined to get married.”

The couple has a son named Vedhanth Rai. On 25 August 2021, he acquired remarried to his second spouse, Pony Verma on the request of his son Vedhanth.

Non secular Views

Prakash Raj is an atheist. In an interview, he shared that he didn’t have any faith. He mentioned,

I don’t have a faith. My daughters don’t have one. I didn’t wish to power something on them. I needed them to develop up and determine for themselves, however [they had to be] individuals of excellent values. My spouse is Hindu, my mom is Christian. We’re very glad at dwelling. Until lately, nobody checked out anybody’s faith. Until Aamir Khan mentioned there was intolerance, nobody mentioned he was Muslim. …Faith and god needs to be inside us. They’ve introduced it right down to the roads.”

Ethnicity

He belongs to the Kannadiga neighborhood, a Dravidian ethnolinguistic group.

Signature

Profession

Performing

Theatre

Prakash began his profession as a theatre artist and carried out in additional than 2000 road performs. He’s additionally related to the Okay Balachander college of performing. In an interview, he shared the actual fact how he developed an curiosity in theatres. He mentioned,

In class, I did performs for the applause. However as soon as I got here to theatre, I realised how theatre generally is a motion. I didn’t come to theatre to develop into an actor, I used to be in quest of an id. All I knew was that I used to be not comfy with being an accountant, however I didn’t know that I might attain right here.”

He additional mentioned,

In faculty, I used to be extra serious about arranging strikes and forming gangs. As soon as, throughout second yr of school, certainly one of my professors mentioned, ‘You might be losing your time in faculty.’ One thing hit me and I simply walked out of the faculty for 5 kms and walked straight into Kalakshetra. For the subsequent six months, I didn’t inform anybody at dwelling that I used to be truly not going to varsity, however was doing theatre rehearsals. I began taking performing critically.”

Tv

Kannada

Within the early 90s, he began his profession as an actor with the Kannada TV serial ‘Bisilu Kudure,’ which aired on Kannada Doordarshan.

In 1995, he acted in one other Kannada TV serial ‘Guddada Bhootha’ during which he performed the lead function.

Tamil

His debut Tamil TV serial is ‘Kaialavu Manasu’ (1995) as Gururangan.

A few of his different Tamil TV serials are ‘Chinna Chinna Aasaigal’ (1995) and ‘Sahana’ (2003). In 2013, he hosted the Tamil TV quiz present ‘Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi.’

Movie

Kannada

After working in theatres and TV serials, Prakash began working within the Kannada movies. Initially, he acquired small roles within the movies like ‘Mithileya Seetheyaru’ (1998), ‘Muthina Haara’ (1990), ‘Anukoolakkobba Ganda’ (1990), ‘Keralida Kesari’ (1991), and ‘Mallige Hoove’ (1992). Whereas he was working within the Kannada movie ‘Harakeya Kuri’ in 1993, he was launched by certainly one of his co-actors to the Indian movie director Okay Balachander, who provided Prakash a task in his Tamil movie. A few of his different common Kannada movies are ‘Nagamandala’ (1997), ‘Atithi’ (2002), ‘Rajadhani’ (2011), ‘Seizer’ (2018), and ‘Okay.G.F: Chapter 2’ (2021).

Tamil

In 1994, he made his Tamil debut with the movie ‘Duet’ during which he performed the function of Actor Sirpy.

A few of his different Tamil movies are ‘Kalki’ (1996), ‘Iruvar’ (1997), ‘Kanchivaram’ (2008), ‘Abhiyum Naanum’ (2008), and ‘Jai Bhim’ (2021).

Malayalam

In 1994, he made his Malayalam movie debut with the movie ‘Thekkekara Superfast’ as Johnykutty.

He has acted in lots of Malayalam movies like ‘Oru Yathramozhi’ (1997), ‘Pandipada’ (2005), ‘Elektra’ (2010), ‘Odiyan’ (2018), and ‘Pada’ (2022).

Telugu

He made his Telugu debut with the movie ‘Sankalpam’ (1995) during which he performed the function of Gaddapalugu Chenchu Ramaiah.

A few of his different Telugu movies are ‘Hitler (1997), ‘Rajakumarudu’ (1999), ‘Nuvve Nuvve’ (2002), ‘Tagore’ (2003), ‘Maharshi’ (2019), and ‘Vakeel Saab’ (2021)

Hindi

Other than South Indian movies, he has additionally acted in Hindi movies. In 2002, he made his Hindi movie debut with the movie ‘Shakti– The Energy’ (2002) in a task of a sharpshooter.

He gained immense recognition with the Hindi like ‘Khakee’ (2004), ‘Shart: The Problem’ (2004), ‘Wished’ (2009), ‘Singham’ (2011), ‘Dabangg 2’ (2012), and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ (2013).

English

In 1993, he appeared in his first English movie i.e. ‘Tropical Warmth’ in a task of a police officer.

In 2016, he appeared in English/Hindi movie ‘CandyFlip.’

Net Collection

Tamil

In 2020, he made his Tamil net sequence debut with the Netflix net sequence ‘Paava Kadhaigal’ during which he performed the function of Janakiraman.

His different Tamil net sequence are ‘Navarasa’ (2021) and ‘Anantham’ (2022).

Telugu

In 2020, he acted in his debut Telugu debut net sequence ‘Shootout at Alair’ as DSP Suryanarayana, streamed on ZEE5.

Producer and Director

Tamil

Other than performing, Prakash Raj has additionally labored as a producer and director beneath his movie manufacturing firm Prakash Raj Productions. He has produced many Tamil movies like ‘Daya’ (2002), ‘Azhagiya Theeye’ (2004), ‘Mozhi’ (2007), ‘Abhiyum Naanum’ (2008), and ‘Mayilu’ (2012).

Kannada

He made his debut as a producer in Kannada movies with ‘Naanu Nanna Kanasu’ (2010) which can also be his directorial debut.

He has produced a number of different Kannada movies like ‘Puttakkana Freeway’ (2011), ‘Idolle Ramayana’ (2016), and ‘Arishadvarga’ (2020).

Telugu

He has additionally labored as a director-producer in a number of Telugu movies like ‘Gouravam’ (2013), and ‘Ulavacharu Biriyani’ (2014).

Politician

In September 2017, put up the assassination of the Indian journalist-turned-activist Gauri Lankesh, Prakash began a political motion with the hashtag #justasking on social media. In an interview, whereas speaking about beginning the motion, he mentioned,

#JustAsking is a motion I’ve began. I wish to be with the folks. It’s my journey, my struggle to be, first, an trustworthy, fearless citizen of the nation. What it is going to snowball into I don’t know. However now, I shall be airing political beliefs, I shall be travelling amongst folks when elections in Karnataka are on, telling folks to simply ask. I gained’t inform them who to vote for however I’ll inform them who to not vote. That’s my proper.”

In 2019, he contested as an unbiased candidate within the 2019 Indian basic election for the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency. He bagged solely 28,831 votes and was defeated by the BJP candidate P.C. Mohan, who gained by greater than 6 lakh votes. Prakash then tweeted,

A SOLID SLAP on my face ..as More ABUSE..TROLL..and HUMILIATION come my means..I WILL STAND MY GROUND ..My RESOLVE to FIGHT for SECULAR INDIA will proceed..A TOUGH JOURNEY AHEAD HAS JUST BEGUN ..THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO WERE WITH ME IN THIS JOURNEY. …. JAI HIND.”

In an interview, when he was requested if he would be a part of any political social gathering. He mentioned,

These events will not be trustworthy. I can not keep at any social gathering for greater than three months. I wish to be the voice of the folks.”

In 2019, he campaigned within the help of AAP candidate Dilip Pandey at Babarpur, Delhi. Whereas speaking to the reporters, Prakash mentioned,

That is what we want, that is my gesture, and my perception, that completely different folks with completely different thought processes however love for the nation come collectively to make this democracy, to reclaim our republic which is on the verge and that we could lose with the onslaught of communal and hatred politics of the federal government, which is in place.”

In the identical yr, he was seen supporting the marketing campaign for the Indian political activist Kanhaiya Kumar.

Social Work

Prakash is concerned in varied philanthropy works. He has began two NGOs named Prakash Raj Basis and Simply Asking Basis. Beneath the NGOs, he adopted a village named Kondareddypalle in Mahbubnagar District, Telangana, in 2015. He has helped in selling good training within the authorities faculties of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He has additionally helped in upgrading the infrastructure of those faculties. Other than this, his basis has additionally helped varied organisations like Hasiru Dala for waste pickers’ households, Thamate Centre for Rural empowerment for the households of guide scavengers, Viewers Movies & FEFSI for every day wage staff’ households of the movie business, Sumangali Seva Ashram, Grama Seva Sangh, Scope Enterprises for supporting fishermen households & different poor households round Kovalam Village, Tamil Nadu.

Controversies

Banned by the Telugu Movie Trade

In 2008, he was banned by the Telugu movie business for his unprofessional perspective. He didn’t fulfill his commitments so varied Telugu manufacturing homes and producers got here ahead to impose a ban on him from working in Telugu movies. Later, he was banned 5 extra instances from working in Telugu movies. In an interview, whereas speaking in regards to the ban, Prakash mentioned,

If individuals who work with me say that I play cover and search, why do they repeat me? Why am I in Mahesh’s 9 movies out of his ten. Why don’t you choose me with my work? How I am going about it isn’t necessary. I don’t go by the principles. I put my foot down, I don’t take mediocrity. There are particular places the place I can come solely at 12 within the morning. I don’t go by the principles.”

Case Filed for Commenting on Prime Minister

In 2017, the Indian journalist-turned activist Gauri Lankesh, who was additionally an excellent pal of Prakash was shot useless outdoors her residence in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru. On the eleventh State meet of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), whereas speaking about Gauri’s homicide case, Prakash mentioned,

The prime minister and others had been performing as if nothing had occurred regardless of having social media followers celebrating the killing on social media. Who killed my pricey pal Gauri just isn’t as necessary to me at the moment as who has been celebrating her demise. There might not be proof as to who killed Gauri however we are able to see who’s celebrating it and from this we are able to type an thought of who might have killed her. The underlying cruelty in all of that is obvious to many individuals. A lot of these celebrating Gauri’s demise are individuals adopted by the Prime Minister on social media. The PM has been completely silent about these folks.”

He added,

Once we see these folks going round performing as if nothing has occurred, I really feel like giving them the 5 Nationwide Awards I’ve gained for performing. Look I’m a seasoned actor, can I not see via the performing? Give me some respect. Am I silly? Are folks silly that they can’t see via all this? Are the youth of at the moment blind? The time has come for Modi to grasp this. I noticed a video, I couldn’t inform if he was Uttar Pradesh chief minister or a temple priest. Seems to be like he performs a double function. After I see such proficient actors, I really feel like giving all of them 5 Nationwide Awards that got to me. Let’s not be afraid of such folks. They aren’t stronger than us. Our weak spot is their energy.”

Later a case was filed towards him for not directly accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Gauri’s homicide.

Controversy Over a Dialogue in a Movie

In 2011, he obtained an enormous backlash from the folks of the Kannadiga neighborhood over dialogue within the Hindi movie ‘Singham.’ Within the movie scene, Prakash threatened Ajay Devgn that he would deliver 1,000 folks from the Karnataka border to thrash him. Ajay (who performed Bajirao Singham, a Maratha), responded that one lion would suffice to shoo away a thousand canine. The Kannadigas felt that the scene was derogatory, and Prakash being a Kannadiga ought to have objected to the scene. Prakash obtained an enormous backlash from the Kannadigas for not supporting his neighborhood. Later, the Karnataka Movie Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) demanded the deletion of the scene from the movie. In an interview, when Prakash was requested to touch upon the controversy, he mentioned,

I’m a Kannadiga myself and I like my mom tongue Kannada. I’m very happy with my neighborhood and would by no means intentionally do something to harm my folks. How would I permit conversations that present ache to folks of Karnataka in any film during which I’m solid? There’s nothing controversial in regards to the dialogue. I’m a Maratha within the film, the controversy has began simply because I’m a Kannadiga and I used the phrase ‘Karnataka border’ within the movie as a result of the villain within the movie stays in Goa, the Karnataka border.”

Later, the dialogue was faraway from the movie, and the makers and actors (together with Prakash Raj) apologised to Kannadigas.

Insulted the Sentiments of Hindus

In 2018, a criticism was filed by advocate Kiran N towards Prakash on the Hanumantha Nagar Police Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka, for passing hurting feedback towards Hindus.  The criticism was filed after his feedback in an interview, during which he mentioned,

You have no idea about cows. You understand about cow urine. If you wish to wash your garments, you want 1 kg cow dung and a pair of litres of cow urine. You then want to combine all of this and wash your garments. Why as a result of, apart from cow urine, you have no idea the rest. So, don’t give us this story.”

Advocate Kiran N mentioned,

Raj made unfair feedback on the cow and its excretions which is defamatory towards the Hindu neighborhood. By depicting it as detergents or washing brokers, with malafide intention and ulterior motive to insult the spiritual emotions of the complainant in addition to all the followers of Hinduism.”

Prices Beneath the Indian Penal Code

On 20 Dec 2018, he was charged beneath varied IPC sections together with:

• IPC Part-143 for being a member of an illegal meeting

• IPC Part-147 for rioting

• IPC Part-188 for disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant

• IPC Part-341 for wrongful restraint

• IPC Part-149 for illegal meeting responsible of an offence dedicated in prosecution of widespread object

Slammed for Evaluating ‘Ram-Leela’ with Baby Porn

In 2019, he obtained large criticism from the general public for passing irrelevant feedback on Ram Leela.  A video of his interview went viral in 2019, during which he was seen saying,

I are not looking for occasions like Ram-Leela, the place fashions who act because the mythological characters are introduced on helicopters and other people worship these, occurring within the nation.”

He additional mentioned to the reporter,

Will you “depart it” if kids watch baby porn. “It’s harmful for the society.”

In reply, when the reporter requested how he might make the comparability between Ram Leela and baby porn, Prakash mentioned,

It’s harmful. Ram-Leela instill worry within the minds of individuals belonging to minority communities. I perceive folks going to a temple for worship, however what is that this natak (Ram-Leela). I perceive them going to a temple, there’s a idol. That’s our tradition. In full public view, why are you doing this natak (drama).”

Fued with Pawan Kalyan

In 2020, whereas speaking to the reporters, Prakash known as Indian actor and politician Pawan Kalyan a “chameleon.” The incident occurred when Prakash was speaking to a reporter on Telugu information channel TV9. The reporter requested him to touch upon Pawan Kalyan’s political strikes. Prakash Raj mentioned,

I actually don’t perceive what occurred to him, I’m very disenchanted. You (Pawan Kalyan) are a pacesetter by your self, you’ve got a celebration (Jana Sena), I’m wondering why you’re looking up/pointing at one other chief. If he’s altering three-four instances, isn’t he a chameleon (Oosaravelli)?.”

Awards

Nationwide Movie Awards

• 1997: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Tamil movie Iruvar

• 1998: Particular Point out for the Telugu movie Anthapuram

• 2002: Particular Jury Award for the Tamil movie Dhaya

• 2007: Greatest Actor for the Tamil movie Kanchivaram
  

  Prakash Raj whereas receiving the fifty fifth Nationwide Movie Award

• 2010: Greatest Characteristic Movie in Kannada (as producer) for the movie Puttakkana Freeway

Filmfare Awards South

• 2002: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Nuvve Nuvve

• 2003: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Tagore

• 2004: Greatest Villain for the Tamil movie Ghilli

• 2005: Greatest Villain for the Tamil movie Sivakasi

• 2009: Greatest Actor for the Tamil movie Kanchivaram

Worldwide Indian Movie Academy Awards

• 2012: Greatest Efficiency in a Damaging Position for the Hindi movie Singham

Worldwide Tamil Movie Awards

• 2003: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Tamil movie Kannathil Muthamittal

Nandi Awards

• 1996: Greatest Villain for the Telugu movie Gunshot

• 1998: Greatest Character Actor for the Telugu movie Anthahpuram

• 2000: Greatest Character Actor for the Telugu movie Azad

• 2002: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Khadgam

• 2003: Greatest Character Actor for the Telugu movie Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi

• 2003: Greatest Villain for the Telugu movie Gangotri

• 2006: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Bommarillu

• 2011: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Dookudu

Tamil Nadu State Movie Awards

• 1996: Greatest Villain for the Tamil movie Kalki

• 2000: Greatest Villain for the Tamil movie Vaanavil

• 2009: Greatest Movie – Second Prize for the Tamil movie Mozhi

• 2017: Greatest Villain for the Tamil movie Villu

• 2017: Greatest Movie – Third Prize for the Tamil movie Dhoni

Vijay Awards

• 2006: Greatest Villain for the Tamil movie Sivakasi

• 2007: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Tamil movie Mozhi

• 2009: Greatest Actor for the Tamil movie Kanchivaram

CineMAA Awards

• 2003: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie  Khadgam

• 2004: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi

• 2012: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Dookudu

South Indian Worldwide Film Awards

• 2012: Greatest Supporting Actor for the Telugu movie Dookudu

• 2015: Greatest Actor in a Supporting Position for the Tamil movie O Kadhal Kanmani

• 2016: Greatest Actor in a Supporting Position for the Tamil movie Manithan

• 2018: Greatest Actor in a Supporting Position for the Tamil movie 60 Vayadu Maaniram

Notice: He has many extra accolades to his title.

Revenue

His revenue was Rs 2,40,37,797 (approx.) within the monetary yr 2018-2019.

Property/Properties

Movable Property

• Deposits in Banks, Monetary Establishments, and Non-Banking Monetary Corporations: Rs 6,08,000

• Bonds, Debentures, and Shares in corporations: Rs 1,68,53,142

• Private loans/advance given: Rs 1,23,39,974

• Motor Automobiles: Rs 1,88,29,236

• Different property, comparable to values of claims/pursuits: Rs 7,53,000

Gross Complete: Rs 5,18,63,352

Immovable Property

• Agricultural Land: Rs 14,72,93,300

• Non-Agricultural Land: Rs 5,00,00,000

• Business Buildings: Rs 35,00,000

• Residential Buildings: Rs 6,86,16,616

Gross Complete: Rs 26,94,09,916

Bike/Automotive Assortment

• Mahindra Thar
  

  Prakash Raj together with his Mahindra Thar automotive

Info/Trivia

• In childhood, Prakash Raj confronted varied monetary difficulties. His father was an alcoholic and by no means supported his household.

• On the suggestion of the Indian movie director Okay Balachander, Prakash modified his title from Prasad Rai to Prasad Raj. In an interview, he shared the story behind it. He mentioned,
  

  Director Okay Balachander modified it. Other than launching Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, he was additionally accountable for launching me. He had modified Rajinikanth’s title and felt that at a time when the Cauvery dispute was sizzling between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the surname Rai represented only a area people and a state, however he noticed a nationwide actor in me and needed my title to signify that.”

• Whereas he was working as a stage play artist, he used to get Rs 300 per 30 days.

• He’s effectively versed in varied languages like Kannada, Tamil, Tulu, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

• Prakash owns a zero-pesticide natural farm in Hyderabad.

• He’s usually noticed consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

• In his leisure time, he likes to learn books and spend time together with his household.

• He has featured in varied TV commercials like Netmeds, Hero Splendor, and First Klass Refined Palmolein Oil.

• Prakash Raj follows a non-vegetarian weight loss plan.

• In 2013, he went nude for a scene within the Telugu movie ‘Ongole Gitta.’ The movie obtained an ‘A’ certificates ranking due to the scene. In an interview, whereas speaking in regards to the scene, Prakash Raj mentioned,
  

  I didn’t shed my garments for creating sensation, I had no plans to star in that sequence. The script demanded it; as an actor, I’ve to abide by the script. Director Bhaskar advised me that it will be an ‘necessary’ sequence within the context of the movie and I simply carried out his directions.”

• In 2016, Prakash Raj began a vegetable cell bazaar at Chitrapuri Colony, Manikonda, Hyderabad with the title Prakash Raj Veg Mantra.
  

  Prakash Raj’s Veg Mantra truck

• In one of many scenes of the 2021 Tamil movie ‘Jai Bhim,’ Prakash was seen slapping a person for talking in Hindi which was not taken effectively by some folks. In an interview, when Prakash was requested to touch upon the scene, he mentioned,
  

  After watching a movie like Jai Bhim, they didn’t see the agony of the tribal folks, they didn’t see and really feel horrible in regards to the injustice, they noticed solely the slap. That’s all they understood; this exposes their agenda. That mentioned, sure issues need to be documented.”

  He continued,

  For instance, the anger of South Indians on Hindi being compelled on them. How else will a police officer who’s investigating a case react when he is aware of that an individual who is aware of the native language chooses to talk in Hindi to dodge questioning? That needs to be documented, proper? The movie is ready within the Nineteen Nineties. If that character had Hindi imposed on him, he would have reacted this manner solely. In all probability if it got here throughout as extra intense, additionally it is as a result of that’s my thought too, and I stand by that thought.”

• Prakash Raj is usually seen slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi via his Instagram posts.